2018 annual report - tucumcari - new mexico state universitynew mexico state university's...
TRANSCRIPT
BE BOLD. Shape the Future. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Agricultural Science Center at TucumcariANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2018
tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu | 575-461-1620
i
NOTICE TO USERS OF THIS REPORT
This report has been prepared to aid Science Center staff in analyzing results of the various research projects from the past year and to record data for future reference. These are not formal Agricultural Experiment Station
Information in this report represents only one year's research. The reader is cautioned against drawing conclusions or making recommendations as a result of data in this report. In many instances, data represents only one of several years results that will constitute the final formal report. It should be pointed out, that staff members have made every effort to check the accuracy of the data presented.
This report was not prepared as a formal release. None of the data are authorized for release or publication, without the written prior approval of the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station.
Dr. Natalie P. Goldberg, Interim Associate Dean and Director Agricultural Experiment Station
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is an engine for economic and community development in New Mexico. ACES academic programs help students discover new knowledge and become leaders in environmental stewardship, food and fiber production, water use and conservation, and improving the health of all New Mexicans. The College’s research and extension outreach arms reach in every county in the state and provide research based knowledge and programs to improve the lives of all New Mexicans.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Leonard M. Lauriault, Editor
Leonard Lauriault College Professor
Forage Crop Management Scientist and Superintendent
Murali Darapuneni, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Semi-Arid Cropping Systems
Patricia Cooksey Associate Administrative Assistant
Gasper Martinez
Agricultural Research Assistant
Jason Box Farm/Ranch Manager
Shane Jennings
Research Lab Tech
Jared Jennings Senior Laborer
Anthony Williams
Laborer
Alice Johnson Custodian
iii
Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... iv Impacts of Studies Published in 2018 and Ongoing Research Summarized in this Report ......................... vi Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 1 Annual Weather Summary .......................................................................................................................... 12 Operational Revenues and Expenditures ................................................................................................... 16 Semi-Arid Cropping System Research Temporal Changes in Frain Sorghum Yield and Residual Soil Characteristics – Three Years after Single Beef Cattle Manure Application .................................................................................................................. 20 Evaluation of Fall-Planted Cover/Rotation Crop Alternatives for Semi-Arid Cropping Systems ................ 23 Evaluation of Spring Planted Cover/Rotation Crop Alternatives for Semi- Arid Cropping Systems ........... 24 Winter Canola Nitrogen Management ......................................................................................................... 27 Forage Crop Research Alfalfa Response to a Multi-Nutrient Potassium Fertilizer in New Mexico .................................................. 28 Alfalfa Planting Date Evaluation .................................................................................................................. 29 Impact of Water Source (Canal Water or Treated Municipal Wastewater) on Alfalfa Establishment ......... 31 Adaptation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Control of Whitefringed Beetle in Alfalfa in the Tucumcari Irrigation Project ........................................................................................................................ 34 Kochia, Site and Planting Date Evaluation ................................................................................................. 36 Pearl Millet Cowpea Forage Mixture Preliminary Evaluations .................................................................... 38 Crop Performance Evaluations Jujubes Cultivar Evaluation ......................................................................................................................... 41 Alfalfa Variety Testing in the Tucumcari Irrigation Project .......................................................................... 43 Livestock Research Evaluation of Winter Canola for Winter/Spring Pastures for Beef Steers ................................................... 45 Impact of No-Tillage Overseeding Bindweed-Infested Grass Pastures with Winter Cereals on the Bindweed..................................................................................................................................................... 46 Tucumcari Beef Cattle Feed Efficiency Testing .......................................................................................... 49 Miscellaneous Studies with Failed Satisfactory Establishment or Completion in 2018 ...................................................... 51
Table of Contents
iv
Agricultural Science Center Advisory Committee
Mr. Phillip Box Mr. Will Cantrell Mr. Donald Carter Mr. Calvin Downey Mr. Paul Estrada Mr. David Foote Mr. Cooper Glover Ms. Janet Griffiths Mr. Bill Humphries Mr. Devin Kanapilly Mr. Justin Knight Mr. Robert Lopez, Chairman Mr. Franklin McCasland, Vice Chair Ms. Marie Nava Mr. Jim Norris Mr. Sean Reagan Mr. Cedar Rush Mr. Tom Sidwell Mr. Elmer Schuster Ms. Staci Stanbrough
Several individuals and companies donated products and services to the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari during 2018. Appreciation is expressed to the following persons and organizations for their contributions.
Arch Hurley Conservancy District – Franklin McCasland
Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
Box Irrigation – Phillip Box Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
Canadian River SWCD – Tommy Wallace Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
Citizen’s Bank – Cooper Glover Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
Curtis & Curtis Seed & Supply, Blake Curtis Clovis, NM. ...................................................................................... Field Day Meal
Everyone’s Federal Credit Union – Andi Baum Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................ Field Day Meal
Farm Credit Services – Will Cantrell Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
Farmers’ Electric Cooperative, Inc. – Lance Adkins Clovis, NM ........................................................................................ Field Day Meal
The Rex Kirksey Family Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
FNB New Mexico – Garrett Baker Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
Acknowledgements
v
Shane Jennings
Tucumcari, NM ........................................................................... Use of stock trailer Lowe's Grocery Store # 94 – Veronica Encinias
Tucumcari, NM................................................................................ Field Day Meal
Meridian Seeds – Brad Hertel Mapleton, ND ................................................................... 50 lbs. Chick Pea Seed
New Mexico Hay Association –Joel Klein, President Dexter, NM .............................. Unrestricted Gift ($5,000) to Support Forage Testing
Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce – Carmen Runyan
Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................ Field Day Meal Tucumcari Federal Savings & Loan – David Hale
Tucumcari, NM.................................................................................. Field Day Meal Tucumcari LP Gas and Oil – Tommy Ortiz
Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal Tucumcari General Insurance – C.J. Wiegel
Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal Valent – Chris Meador
Walnut Creek, CA...................... Unrestricted Gift ($5,000) to Support Forage Testing Wells Fargo Bank NA – Sandra Mapes
Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
Young Insurance Agency, Beverly Choate/Justin Knight Tucumcari, NM ................................................................................. Field Day Meal
vi
New Mexico State University's Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari is boldly shaping the future by conducting innovative, locally-driven, globally-relevant research designed to discover, develop, and disseminate knowledge related to crop (including forages) and livestock production under irrigated and dryland conditions to meet NMSU's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Pillars for Economic and Community Development (https://aces.nmsu.edu/aces_dean/pillars.html). We strive to enhance agricultural profitability; stimulate economic development using natural resources; improve the quality, safety and reliability of food and fiber products; sustain and protect the environment with ecologically sound practices; manage and protect natural resources; and thereby, improve the quality of life for the people of New Mexico. To that end, current research programs focus on semiarid cropping systems, irrigated forage crops and grazing management, genetic improvement of beef cattle through feed efficiency testing, and reuse of treated municipal wastewater for agricultural irrigation. New studies have been initiated and results of multiple studies were published in peer-reviewed journal articles and non-peer-reviewed variety test reports as Agricultural Experiment Station publications; Cooperative Extension Service publications were revised; presentations were made to in-state stakeholder groups reporting on completed research and other topics of interest. Additionally, the facility was used as a field laboratory by an NMSU graduate student and animal and plant science classes at Mesalands Community College and other outreach activities were held.
The immediately following impact statements are based on research that has been published after a peer-review, making the results accepted by the scientific community. The references are listed beginning on page 5 in the Introduction section of this report.
Strip tillage for corn production has environmental and economic benefits in New Mexico (Darapuneni, Idowu, and Lauriault. Corn constitutes about 17% of New Mexico’s irrigated crop area. Research conducted at Tucumcari estimates the strip tillage yield advantage in corn in New Mexico to be $12.9 million in value over conventional tillage, in addition to considerable energy savings. Additionally, conservation tillage has relative advantages of controlling soil erosion and improving water-and nutrient-use efficiency. This project addressed the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Planting legumes with sorghum forages increases forage nutritive value (Darapuneni, Angadi, and Lauriault). A $750,000 revenue increase annually could result if 5% of New Mexico’s growers implemented the practice. Research evaluating canopy development and light interception patterns of several sorghum - legume mixtures demonstrated that faster canopy coverage and greater light interception occurred early in the growing season compared with monoculture sorghum. Lablab, cowpea, lima bean, and pole bean are promising legumes. This project addressed the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Intercropping with turnip improved sweet corn stover forage nutritive value (Lauriault and Guldan). Corn stover is grazed in winter by livestock but the nutritive value is low. Research at NMSU’s Alcalde Sustainable Agriculture Science Center showed that turnip had greater nutritive value than oat and intercropping with turnip improved an indicator of sweet corn stover digestibility. Intercropping either oat or turnip into sweet corn increased animal gains compared to sweet corn-alone. This project addressed the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and
Impacts of Studies Published in 2018 and Ongoing Research Summarized in this Report
vii
Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Cotton lines developed through interspecific introgression breeding of Upland and Pima cotton have been identified to improve Verticillium wilt (VW) resistance in cotton breeding programs (Martinez, Zhang, and Darapuneni). In a greenhouse study on NMSU’s campus in Las Cruces, VW resistance was evaluated on 530 lines of which five showed resistance to VW, namely, NMIL348, NMIL518, NMIL405, NMIL290, NMIL307. This program addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing Pillar for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Below are impact statements based on results from the ongoing research projects described in this report. Bear in mind that these impacts represent a single year of research and that multiple years of data are required to substantiate results. Please see the Table of Contents to find additional information and results.
Agronomic Research
Semi-arid Cropping Systems
Strip-till zone manure application in dryland increases the resource-use efficiency and on-farm profitability (Darapuneni, p. 20). Manure application costs can be cut by up to 60% by applying manure only in the strip-till zone. Additionally, three years after a single 10 tons /A manure application, with or without incorporation, grain sorghum biomass continues to be greater by no-till planting into the original strip-till zone. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Use of opportune/cover crops to replace the winter fallow period in semi-arid cropping systems could help farming communities achieve higher resource-use efficiency (especially water and nutrients) and productivity (Darapuneni, p. 23). Introducing diversity into a traditional rotation will ensure better soil health. Planting efficient winter crops in the fallow provides a forage source for cattle but also potentially generates additional income by producing seed under favorable weather conditions. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Use of opportune/cover crops to replace the summer fallow period in semi-arid cropping systems could help farming communities achieve higher resource-use efficiency (especially water and nutrients) and productivity as well as promote broader marketing opportunities economics (Darapuneni, p. 24). Understanding the water use dynamics of various cover crops and increasing diversity in the cropping systems could reduce the seasonal risk of crop failures due to water scarcity. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Canola has potential for producing not only high-valued oil grain but also excellent forage during the winter season as an alternate winter rotation option to winter wheat (Darapuneni, p. 27). Determining the appropriate N-application timing will not only help producers maximize the yield and quality of winter canola but also improve the N-use efficiency and on-farm economical returns in the semi-arid New Mexico. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and
viii
Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Forage Crops
The application of a multi-nutrient source to potassium-deficient soils has tremendous potential for boosting alfalfa yield and nutrient value (Darapuneni, p. 28. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is among the top cash crops of New Mexico. In Alfalfa, potassium (K) alone constitutes about 2.5% of tissue weight. This multi-nutrient fertilizer also supplements sulfur (S) and magnesium (Mg) for better growth and development in alfalfa. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Alfalfa planting date has an effect on short and long-term alfalfa production and economics (Lauriault, p. 29). Previous results from research initiated in 2013 demonstrate that spring planting of alfalfa allows for recovery of some or all of the establishment costs in the seeding year, thereby, reducing interest in those inputs. Data collection concluded in 2018 demonstrates a more long-term benefit to earlier planting of semi-dormant varieties. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Irrigating with treated municipal wastewater may reduce alfalfa growth (Lauriault, p. 31). Municipalities seek to minimize the release of potential pollutants in treated wastewater into surface and ground water bodies. Alfalfa is adapted to a wide range of environmental factors. Ongoing research has discovered a potential effect of wastewater irrigation on seedling alfalfa growth and established alfalfa nutritive value and soil fertility characteristics. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Nematodes are adapted to New Mexico that may control whitefringed beetle in alfalfa (Lauriault, p. 34). Early stand decline in alfalfa throughout New Mexico is increasingly being associated with whitefringed beetle (WFB) larval feeding, but no insecticides are labeled or effective to control WFB adults or larva in alfalfa. Entomopathogenic nematodes that prey on a wide range of soil larvae, including WFB and its relatives are adapted to northeastern New Mexico’s climatic and soil conditions. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Perennial forage kochia may be an alternative to alfalfa (Lauriault, p. 36). Alfalfa growers in semiarid regions seek forages requiring less irrigation. Perennial forage kochia, known as “the alfalfa of the desert,” is not invasive and has value for pasture in cool desert regions. Preliminary research has discovered that perennial forage kochia is adapted to the Southern High Plains and, with minimal irrigation, can potentially be as productive as alfalfa. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Planting legumes with cereal forages can increase yield and nutritive value (Lauriault, Darapuneni, and Martinez, p. 38). Pearl millet and cowpea are well-adapted and productive, but their performance in mixtures under irrigated and rainfed conditions has not been evaluated. Preliminary research indicates that, while nutritive value of the mixture was slightly increased compared the monocultures, mixture yield per unit of land was reduced when the species were planted in the same row. This project addresses the
ix
Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Crop Variety Performance Evaluations
Chinese dates are a locally well-adapted potential alternative crop to help small-scale farmers (Lauriault and Martinez, p. 41). Low available water and late frosts challenge fruit production in eastern New Mexico. Chinese dates, also called Jujubes, are drought tolerant once established and avoid spring frosts by blooming later. Jujubes can be found growing in the wild in eastern New Mexico, but improved varieties must be evaluated. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Alfalfa variety testing potentially returns $38 million to New Mexico’s growers (Lauriault, p. 43) Variety selection is key to a highly productive alfalfa stand. Differences between the highest- and lowest-yielding varieties in irrigated alfalfa tests statewide ranged from 0.99 to 2.41 tons per acre in 2018. If sold as hay, this translates to a potential difference in returns of $213 to $518 per acre due to variety, or an increase of at least $38 million for the industry. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing Pillar for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Livestock Research
Interest is increasing in whether winter canola can be grazed as an alternative crop in wheat rotations in the Southern High Plains (Lauriault, Angadi, and Darapuneni, p. 45). Preliminary results of previous research indicates that beef cattle gains on canola in autumn were equal to those on pearl millet and greater than gains on haygrazer. Winter and spring grazing also must be evaluated for animal productivity as well as for effects on grain production. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Grazing field bindweed may reduce clonal regeneration (Lauriault and Darapuneni, p. 46). Field bindweed is a competitive, summer-active weed that reduces productivity in irrigated pastures. No-tillage overseeded winter cereals could reduce competition by field bindweed when it begins growth in the spring and encourage encroachment by desirable species during the growing season. Preliminary results indicate a reduction in bindweed biomass and a reduction in the number of clones in the spring by grazing in the previous fall. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
The Tucumcari Bull Test and Sale continues to grow in scope and scale (Ward, p. 49). From 2013 to 2018, animals tested annually have grown from 75 bulls to 350 bulls and heifers entered by eight to 22 seedstock producers. Sale attendance has grown from approximately 75 cattle growers in 2013 to approximately 250 attending in person or online in 2018. In fall 2018, NMSU initiated a project to measure individual water consumption. This program addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing and Water Use and Conservation Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
1
The New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari is located on U.S. Highway 54 three miles northeast of Tucumcari and Interstate 40, Exit 333. The center consists of 464 acres, with 170.9 acres having Arch Hurley Conservancy District water rights and a contract for 300 acre-feet annually for treated municipal wastewater to be delivered from the City of Tucumcari Wastewater Treatment Plant. In operation since 1912, the center is New Mexico State University’s oldest continuously operating off-campus research facility. In addition to crop and livestock studies, historical research at the center evaluated trees for windbreak and farmstead plantings, which led to the establishment of over 50 species of trees and shrubs on the center grounds, making it an oasis of trees in a sea of native grassland.
Significant events at the Agricultural Science Center in 2018 included: (1) Another upgrade of the Tucumcari Beef Cattle Feed Efficiency Testing Facility by TFET, LLC; (2) an attendance of 101 at Field Day with a pre-field day program providing pesticide CEUs, and (3) purchase of a traveling gun portable sprinkler system to expand irrigation capacity. Other activities hosted or participated in by the staff at the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari along with ongoing research projects are described in this publication, which is available online at http://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/projects--results.html. A new feature in this year’s report is a section at the beginning (pages ??-??), which includes impact statements for research published in 2018 and projects described in the report.
Outreach Events, Productivity, and Activities Beef Cattle Feed Efficiency Testing Information about the Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Tests are presented in a separate article beginning on page 49 of this report.
Pre-Field Day Program The center hosted a special program during the afternoon of August 9, 2018, prior to the Annual Field Day with 10 in attendance. The program, held in the Conference Building, included presentations by Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension Entomologist, and Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension Weed Specialist and provided 2 CEUs for pesticide applicators.
Field Day The center hosted its Annual Field Day during the evening of August 9, 2018, with 101 in attendance. The program, held in the Bull Test Sale Barn, included dinner, sponsored by local businesses and catered by the Roadrunners 4-H Club as a fundraiser, preceded by a presentation by New Mexico State University President, Dr. John Floros. New Mexico State University Chancellor, Dr. Dan Arvizu, also made comments.
The field tour went to the center’s North Farm Pivot and included the following presentations:
• Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension Entomologist: Salt cedar beetle update.
• Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension Weed Specialist: Managing weeds. • Jason Lamb, NMSU Quay County Cooperative Extension Service Agent
for Agriculture: Quay County Beginning Farmers Land Access and Mentorship Program.
• Murali Darapuneni, NMSU Semiarid Cropping Systems Specialist: Opportune cropping.
• Gasper Martinez, NMSU Agricultural Research Assistant: Demonstration of soil moisture sampling for research.
• Leonard Lauriault, NMSU Forge Crop Management Scientist: Candidate summer annual forage legumes.
Introduction
2
Dinner and refreshments were sponsored by the local businesses listed on page iv.
Other Public Programs Hosted by the Agricultural Science Center in 2018 ON March 16, the center hosted a tour for the NM Ag Leadership Class.
On March 30, the center hosted a 4-H tagging day.
On October 17, the center hosted a field laboratory lecture for the Mesalands Community College Range Science Class.
On October 18, the center faculty participated in a Grains, Goats, Greens, and More activity for 4th and 5th grades from five area elementary schools. Participants included 219 students, 28 teachers and volunteers, and 8 presenters. The Quay County Cooperative Extension Service was the primary sponsor of this activity.
The center also remained open for tours of the Eastern New Mexico Outdoor Arboretum.
Quay County Cotton Boll Weevil Control District The Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari continued to assist the Quay County Cotton Boll Weevil Control District (QCCBWCD) with its activities in 2018. Jason Lamb, Quay County Cooperative Extension Service Agent for Agriculture, scouted for boll weevil and pink bollworm using traps with no captures.
Advisory Committee The Advisory Committee to the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari met March 13 and December 13, 2018, at the PowWow Restaurant to provide input on research programs and continue development of their program enhancement initiative and infrastructure capital improvement plan. The committee began the process of developing bylaws. Minutes of both meetings are available upon request at the center’s office. Advisory Committee members are listed on page iv.
Personnel and Facilities Personnel Gasper Martinez began as Agricultural Research Assistant at the center effective March 26, 2018, replacing Ashley Cunningham, who had resigned in December 2017. An ongoing labor shortage on the farm staff continued to limit completion of non-critical physical plant projects in 2018. Paperwork to hire a part-time Laborer, Sr., was initiated in December 2018.
A list of temporary employees at the center in 2018 is shown below:
Name Job Title Dates of Employment Alice Johnson Custodian 01/01/2018 – 12/31/2018
Internal and External Connections Several College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences personnel from other locations worked cooperatively with staff at the Tucumcari center in 2016. These individuals included: Ram Acharya, Samuel Allen, Sangu Angadi, Leslie Beck, Sultan Begna, Ashley Bennett, Jane Breen-Pierce, Owen Burney, Shad Cox, Efren Delgado, Koffi Djaman, David DuBois, Glenn Duff, Nancy Flores, Robert Flynn, Rajan Ghimere, Befekadu Goraw, Lois Grant, Kulbhushan Grover, Steve Guldan, Ivette Guzman, Robert Hagevoort, Wendy Hamilton, Charles Havlik, Omar Holguin, John Idowu, Del Jimenez, Jason Lamb, Bernd Leinauer, Kevin Lombard, Steve Loring, Mark Marsalis, Abdel Mesbah, Mick O’Neill, Chris Pierce, Tom Place, Gino Picchioni, Rich Pratt, Naveen Puppala, Ian Ray, Joyce Runyan, Aaron Scott, Eric Scholljegerdes, Brian Schutte, Gerald Sims, Blair Stringham, Carol Sutherland, Dave Thompson, Marisa Thompson, April Ulery, Frank Ward, Marcy Ward, Margaret West, Shengrui Yao, and Jinfa Zhang.
3
Individuals from outside the NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, who worked cooperatively with center staff in 2018 were:
New Mexico State University: Robert Steiner (Economics, Applied Statistics & International Business Department) Catherine Brewer, Reza Foudazi, and Umakanta Jena (Chemical and Materials Engineering Department)
New Mexico: Arch Hurley Conservancy District: Franklin McCasland Gary Balzano, Balzano Farms, Tucumcari Phillip Box, Box Farms, Tucumcari Canadian River Soil and Water Conservation District: Supervisors and Diana Cassidy/Sandy Morgan Canadian River Riparian Restoration Project: Jack Chatfield City of Tucumcari: Britt Lusk, City Commission, and Calvin Henson Tom Goncharoff, Crystal Springs Farm, Tularosa Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation, Patrick Vanderpool and Board of Directors Mesalands Community College: John Groesbeck, Staci Stanbrough, and students of Animal and Plant
Science Classes Northeast New Mexico Regional Water Planning Committee Ute Lake Watershed Alliance: Jack Chatfield and Mark Murphy New Mexico Department of Agriculture: Secretary Jeff Witte New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs: Eric Blinman New Mexico Economic Development Department: Tim Hagaman New Mexico Hay Association: Board of Directors New Mexico State Legislature: Senator Pat Woods and Representative Dennis Roch/Representative-
elect Jack Chatfield New Mexico Transportation Department New Mexico Water Trust Board Quay County Cotton Boll Weevil Control District Quay County Government: County Commission, Larry Moore, and Richard Primrose Quay County Sun: Thomas Garcia, Steve Hanson, and Ron Warnock Quay County TableTop Food Co-op: David White and others Rocky Mountain Farmers Union: Susann Mikkelson Tucumcari Bio-Energy and Aquaponics: Bob Hockaday and David White Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Test, LLC dba Tucumcari Bull Test: Leadership and Members Tucumcari Public Schools: Tonya Hodges and Veronica Hernandez Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce: Carmen Runyan USDA: Kenneth Alcon (NRCS, Las Vegas, NM) and Relissa Nials (NRCS, Tucumcari, NM) Western Mora Soil and Water Conservation District
USA: Cornell University: Elson Shields and Antonio Testa National Science Foundation Louisiana State University, Bossier City: Syam Dodla South Dakota State University, Brookings: David Clay Syngenta Crop Protection, Bloomington, MN: Yujin Wen Texas A&M University, College Station: Gaylon Morgan Texas AgriLife Research and Extension: Jourdan Bell (Amarillo), G. Ray Smith (Overton), and Pat Porter
and Calvin Trostle (Lubbock) Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation: Lyn Vandiver University of Kentucky: Ben Goff University of Nebraska, Scottsbluff: Gary Hergert, Jeff Bradshaw and Robert Harveson University of Wisconsin – Madison: Francisco Contreras-Govea University of Wyoming: Jonathan Brant USDA: N.A. Cole and Prasanna Gowda (ARS, Bushland, TX), Aaron Miller (APHIS, Abilene, TX), Scott
Van Pelt (Big Spring, TX), and Blair Waldron (ARS, Logan, UT) USDA - NIFA
4
West Texas A&M University, Canyon: Bob Stewart and Brock Blaser Valent USA Corporation: Chris Meador
Brazil: University of Sao Paolo: S.C. Mello
India: ICRISAT, Hyderabad, Telangana Netaji-Subash ICAR, New Delhi: Debunkar Sanyal Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli: K. Annadurai University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur: M.R. Umesh
Mexico: INIFAP, Sonora: Alejandro Suárez and Luis Tamayo SENASICA: Mexico City: Gustavo Torres Universidad Autónoma de Baja California: Leonel Avendaño-Reyes, David Calderon-Mendoza, Francisco
Loya-Olguín, and Rafael Villa-Angulo
Pakistan: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan Faculty at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Faculty at MNS University of Agriculture, Multan
Punjab: The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
United Kingdom: Sirius Minerals, Scarborough: Kiran Pavuluri and Brad Farber
Buildings, Grounds, and Facilities An engineering evaluation of the residence foundation in late 2017, received in early 2018, provided recommendations for remediating foundation settling that included removal of the chimney from the living room fireplace, maintaining a 6-foot vegetation-free zone around the foundation, and diverting rainwater/snow melt to at least 10 feet from the foundation. Storm water diversion was accomplished in 2018. A crack on each side of the mid-house load-bearing wall was designated for annual measurement (January 1 to January 1 of each year) for which the superintendent was trained. During 2018, the crack on the west side, on the living room south wall did not change. The crack on the east side, in the north wall of the foyer increased by approximately 1/16”.
Significant changes took place in 2018 in the Eastern New Mexico Outdoor Arboretum at the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari. The live oak finally perished and was removed; the Fremont’s cottonwood, crabapple, chinkapin oak, original smoketree, pyracantha, silky dogwood, willow baccharis, and Zabele honeysuckle were removed, having perished in 2017; and the Arizona ash was trimmed of dead limbs. The Zabele honeysuckle was part of the USDA onset of spring evaluations with honeysuckle plantings in 1968 throughout the western USA. Another honeysuckle from that planting still survives. It is likely that the center also had participated in or was added to an evaluation using purple common lilacs initiated in 1957 with two cultivars, both of which remain.
Other alterations and improvements to the grounds included trimming the juniper across the driveway from the office to remove dead limbs and the Siberian elm in front of the lab to remove limbs protruding into the driveway. Four Chinese arborvitae in a row southward from the residence garage were removed because they had perished. Mulberry trees west of both garages also perished and were removed.
Problems occurring in late 2017 with the application systems of both irrigation water sources were repaired in late May 2018. The wastewater system was shut down again for the second half of August due to a diesel fuel contamination at the wastewater treatment plant.
Irrigation Water The annual Arch Hurley Conservancy District assessment for 2018 was $14.00 per water right acre and the delivery charge was $10/acre-foot. The center had retained a credit of $673.35 for pre-paid water
5
from 2017. Water was first released into the canal on April 8, 2018, and turned off on October 31. While 18 in/A was initially allocated (the first full initial allocation since 1999), another 4 in/A were allocated on July 10, making the total allocation 22 in/A or 313.32 acre-feet for the center, of which only 13 acre-feet was ordered by the center. The center retained a credit of $543.35 for pre-paid water from 2018.
Delivery of treated wastewater from the City of Tucumcari Wastewater Treatment Facility for irrigation began in late May after the system was repaired, but it was interrupted again with no deliveries in the second half of August. A total of 65.7 acre-feet were applied from May through December through the three center pivots. The total amount paid by the center to the City for that water was $13,247.50, including $9,000 for the water, under a 20-year contract for 300 acre-feet/year, and $4247.50 in electricity for pumping and labor to read the meters. Wastewater delivery system upgrades to allow for greater storage capacity at the treatment plant using funds provided by the Agricultural Experiment Station in 2016 were not completed in 2018 due to city labor shortages; however, significant progress was made. The City is also planning to purchase land to develop greater storage capacity and additional application capacity to attain 100% reuse. Every six months a semi-annual report is submitted to NMED showing monthly water use, meter inspection, and amount of nitrogen applied to the water use area. Those reports are available from the center upon request. The original permit was renewed with some modification in June 2017 and the current permit will expire in June 2022.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Continuing with sustainability through recycling in 2018, staff at the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari recycled 215.2 lb plastic; 44.8 lb glass; 55.0 lb tin; 73 lb aluminum cans; 30 ink or toner cartridges; and 916.8 lb paper and other fiber products. Purchased paper totaled 199.2 lb for 2018. Additionally, approximately 36.3 gal of non-fuel petroleum lubricants were purchased in 2018 while 50 gal of oil was recycled.
Community Service The center provided three soil pits for the Tucumcari FFA Land Judging Team to use for practice prior to attending the National Land Judging Event. After the practice, the location of each pit was noted for future use and then the pits were filled. Additionally, manure samples were provided to Tucumcari Bio-Energy to evaluate methanol potential and the USDA conducted wind erosion evaluations at two sites at the center as part of a regional study.
Students Murali Darapuneni Bilgi Sarihan (Master’s committee co-chair): Impacts of selected cover crops on wind erosion control Randall Montgomery (Doctoral committee member): Blue corn evaluations under salt stress conditions.
(completed December 31, 2019). Sifat Sultana (Master’s committee co-chair): Tillage effects on corn and cotton. (completed December 31,
2018). Brad Crookston, Josh Machicek (Master’s committee member as adjunct faculty at West Texas A&M
University in collaboration with Brock Blaser): Pearl millet response to irrigation, row spacing, and tillage in the Texas High Plains (completed May 31, 2018).
Productivity
Peer-Reviewed Publications Journal Articles Bohara, H., Dodla, S., Wang, J. J., Darapuneni, M. K., Acharya, B. S., Magdi, S., Pavuluri, K. (2019).
Influence of poultry litter and biochar on soil water dynamics and nutrient leaching from a very fine sandy loam soil. Soil and Tillage Reseaerch, In press.
Bohara, H., Dodla, S., Wang, J. J., Darapuneni, M. K., Kongchum, M., Fromme, D.D., and Harrell, D. (2018). Impacts of N-stabilizers and biochar on nitrogen losses, nitrogen phytoavailability, and cotton yield in poultry litter-fertilized soils. Agronomy Journal, 110, 2016-2024.
6
Darapuneni, M. K., Angadi, S., Umesh, M., Contreras-Govea, F., Annadurai, K., Begna, S., Marsalis, M. A., Cole, A., Gowda, P., Hagevoort, G. R., Lauriault, L. M. (2018). Canopy development of annual legumes and forage sorghum intercrops and its relation to dry matter accumulation. Agronomy Journal, 110, 939-949.
Darapuneni, M. K., Idowu, O. J., Lauriault, L. M., Dodla, S., Pavuluri, K., Ale, S., Grover, K., Angadi, S. (2019). Tillage and nitrogen rate effects on corn production and residual soil characteristics. Agronomy Journal, In press.
Hergert, G. W., Nielsen, R. A., Schild, J. A., Hawley, R. L., Darapuneni M. K.. (2019). Row-applied iron chelate for correcting iron deficiency chlorosis in dry bean. Agronomy Journal, In press.
Lauriault, L. M., Guldan, S. J., Popiel-Powers, F., Steiner, R. L., Martin, C. A., Heyduck, R., Falk, C. L., Petersen, M., May, T. (2018). Relay intercropping with cover crops improved autumn forage potential of sweet maize stover. MDPI Agriculture, 8(103) (12 pp).
Martinez, G.K., Darapuneni, M. K., Abdelraheem, A., McCarty, J., Jenkins, J., Zhang, J. (2018). Evaluation of a multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) introgressed line population for Verticillium wilt resistance in Upland cotton. Euphytica, 214, 197 (8 pp.).
Mello, S. C., Neto, D. D., Darapuneni, M. K., Pavuluri. K. (2018). Response of tomato to polyhalite as multi nutrient fertilizer in southeast Brazil. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 41(6), 2126-2140.
Wen, Y., Darapuneni, M. K., Chen, D., Piccinni, G., Cothren, T., Leskovar, D., Pavuluri, K., Rowland, D. (2018). The phenotypical responses of cotton and their relation to lint yield under traditional and regulated deficit irrigation schemes in semi-arid environments. Agronomy Journal, 110, 1339-1353.
Conference Proceedings Sultana, S. (graduate student), Idowu, J., Darapuneni, M. K., Zhang, J., Omer, M. 920180. Reduced
tillage effects on cotton growth and yield in New Mexico. Beltwide Cotton Conference Proceedings, San Antonio, TX, January 3-5, 2018.
Extension Publications Lauriault, L. M., Marsalis, M. A., Ward, M. A. (2018). Circular 586 (major revision with peer-review),
Irrigated pasture management in New Mexico. Las Cruces, NM: Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University. http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR586.pdf.
Lauriault, L. M., Thompson, D., Pierce, J., Bennett, A., Schutte, B., Beck, L., Sutherland, C., Jimenez, D., Hamilton, W. (2018). Circular 600 (major revision with peer-review), Managing Aceria malherbae gall mites for control of field bindweed (pp. 12). Las Cruces: New Mexico State University. http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR600.pdf
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications Experiment Station Publications Lauriault, L. M., Ray, I., Pierce, C., Burney, O., Djaman, K., Flynn, R. P., Marsalis, M. A., Allen, S.,
Martinez, G., Havlik, C., West, M. (2018). The 2018 New Mexico Alfalfa Variety Test Report. Las Cruces, NM: Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University. https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/variety_trials/AVT18.pdf
Lauriault, L. M., Ray, I., Pierce, C., Burney, O., Flynn, R. P., Marsalis, M. A., O'Neill, M. K., Cunningham, A., Havlik, C., West, M. (2018). The 2017 New Mexico Alfalfa Variety Test Report. Las Cruces, NM: Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University. http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/variety_trials/AVT17.pdf
Marsalis, M. A., Flynn, R. P., Lauriault, L. M., Mesbah, A., O'Neill, M. K. (2018). New Mexico 2017 Corn and Sorghum Performance Tests. Las Cruces, NM: Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University. http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/variety_trials/2017CornSorghumPerformanceReport.pdf
Other Publications Not Noted Above Beck, L. L., Marsalis, M. A., Lauriault, L. M. (2018). In Jon Dockter (Ed.), Evaluation of the efficacy of
various herbicides for control of broadleaf (Plantago major) and buckhorn (Plantago lanceolata) plantain in alfalfa. St. Paul, MN USA: National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance. https://www.alfalfa.org/pdf/researchArticels/17Beck.pdf (posted October 4, 2018).
7
Darapuneni, M. K., Lauriault, L., Idowu, J. (2018) Water use and yield potential of winter and summer alternate/cover crops. ASA, CSSA, SSSA Meetings Abstracts, Baltimore, MD. November 4-7, 2018.
Lauriault, L. M. (2018). Spray rigs for rent (1st ed., vol. 1, pp. Page 2). Tucumcari, NM: Canadian River Soil and Water Conservation District newsletter, November 1, 2018.
Lauriault, L. M. (2018). What I learned at the 2018 Western Society of Crop Science Meeting. Self-published email.
Lauriault, L. M., Marsalis, M. A. (2018). Alfalfa planting date effects on nutritive value during early stand life. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting Abstracts. June 19-20, 2018.
Sarihan, B. (graduate student), Darapuneni, M .K., Idowu, O. J., DuBois, D., Grover, K. (2018). Impacts of selected summer cover crops on wind erosion control (poster abstract). In Culture, Climate, and Conservation.73rd SWCS International Annual Conference, Albuquerque, NM. Jul. 29-Aug.1. #10.
Sarihan, B. (graduate student), Darapuneni, M .K., Idowu, O. J., DuBois, D., Grover, K. (2018). Impacts of selected summer cover crops on wind erosion control (poster). Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting Abstracts. Laramie, WY. June 19-20, 2018.
Sarihan, B. (graduate student), Darapuneni, M .K., Idowu, O. J., DuBois, D., Grover, K. (2018). Impacts of selected summer cover crops on wind erosion control (poste abstract; 3rd prize in poster competition). New Mexico Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Los Lunas, NM. December 12, 2018.
Sultana, S. (graduate student), Idowu, J., Darapuneni, M .K., Zhang, J., Omer, M. (2018). Effects of tillage methods on cotton growth and yield in New Mexico (poster). Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting Abstracts. Laramie, WY. June 19-20, 2018.
Sultana, S. (graduate student), Idowu, J., Darapuneni, M .K., Zhang, J., Omer, M. (2018). Reduced tillage effects on cotton growth and yield in New Mexico (poster abstract). 2018 Beltwide Cotton Conference, San Antonio, TX, January 3-5, 2018.
Sultana, S. (graduate student), Idowu, J., Darapuneni, M .K., Beck, L., Steiner, J. (2018). Reduced tillage effects on corn silage yield and quality in Southern New Mexico (poster abstract). New Mexico Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Los Lunas, NM. December 12, 2018
Presentations Lauriault, L. M. The New Mexico Sustainable Agriculture Conference, NMSU Cooperative Extension
Service and WSARE, Los Lunas, NM, Fencing options for livestock, (December 12, 2018). Lauriault, L. M. 9th Annual Forage Growers Workshop, NMSU Valencia County Cooperative Extension
Service, Los Lunas, NM, Alfalfa management to maximize nutritive value, (December 4, 2018). Lauriault, L. M., Quay County Private Applicators' Workshop, Quay County Cooperative Extension
Service, Tucumcari, An update on whitefringed beetle research in Quay County, (November 27, 2018).
Darapuneni, M. K., Lauriault, L., Idowu, J. ASA, CSSA, SSSA Meetings, Baltimore, MD, Water use and yield potential of winter and summer alternate/cover crops. (November 6, 2018).
Lauriault, L. M., Grains, Goats, Greens & More, NMSU Quay County Cooperative Extension Service Office, Tucumcari, NM, Grass, grains, goats, and more. (October 18, 2018).
Darapuneni, M. K., Grains, Goats, Greens & More, NMSU Quay County Cooperative Extension Service Office, Tucumcari, NM, Plant parts and functions, (October 18, 2018).
Darapuneni, M. K., Field Day, Agricultural Science Center, Tucumcari, NM, Opportune cropping. (August 9, 2018).
Lauriault, L. M., Field Day, Agricultural Science Center, Tucumcari, NM, Candidate summer annual forage legumes, (August 9, 2018).
Martinez, G. K., Field Day, Agricultural Science Center, Tucumcari, NM, Demonstration of soil moisture sampling for research, (August 9, 2018).
Lauriault, L. M., Employee Chemical Safety Training, Tucumcari Public Schools, Tucumcari, NM, Using cleaning products and pesticides safely, (May 11, 2018).
Lauriault, L. M., Guldan, S. J., PES Graduate Seminar, Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Las Cruces, NM, Relay intercropping with cover crops improves fall forage potential of sweet corn stover, (February 9, 2018).
Lauriault, L. M., Marsalis, M. A., Annual Meeting of the Western Society of Crop Science, Western Society of Crop Science, Laramie, WY, Alfalfa planting date effects on nutritive value during early stand life, (June 20, 2018).
8
Grants and Contracts Funded: Darapuneni, M. K. (Principal), Lauriault, L. M. (Co-Principal), Sponsored Research, Alfalfa response to
Polyhalite in New Mexico, Sponsoring Organization: Sirius Minerals Plc, Sponsoring Organization Is: Other, Total Award: $34,500.00. November 25, 2017-October 31, 2019.
Marsalis, M. A. (Co-Principal), Lauriault, L. M. (Co-Principal), Beck, L. L. (Principal), Sponsored Research, Evaluation of the Efficacy of Various Herbicides for Control of Broadleaf (Plantago major) and Buckhorn (Plantago lanceolata) Plantain in Alfalfa, Sponsoring Organization: National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance, Sponsoring Organization Total Award: $10,000.00. October 1, 2017-May 31, 2019.
Not Funded: None Pending: Darapuneni, M. K. (Principal), Sponsored Research, Profiling summer annual crops for water use- crop
selection decision for improving water use efficiency and productivity in the semi-arid wheat based cropping systems., Sponsoring Organization: Western SARE. Research Credit: $49,560 PI Total Award: $49,560.00. May 15, 2019-December 31, 2020.
Other External Funding Angadi, S., Darapuneni, M. K. Winter Canola Nitrogen Mangament, ASC-Clovis Collaboration,
$4,000.00, Description: Collaborative project with Dr. Sangu Angadi, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: September 15, 2018.
Darapuneni, M. K. AES Graduate Research Awards, Agricultural Experiment Station-NMSU, $40,000.00, Description: Graduate student will be starting Spring, 2017, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: December 2016, Effective End Date: December 2018.
Darapuneni, M. K. Turkish Scholarship-Graduate Funding, Turkish Government, $50,000.00, Description: Will start his program Spring, 2017. The amount is funded for his Masters program, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: December 2016, Effective End Date: December 2018.
Lauriault, L. M. Fee-based alfalfa variety testing, 2018, Multiple seed companies, $2425.00, Description: Entry fees for alfalfa varieties planted in one year and compared for the next three years at various NMSU locations across the state, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: April 1, 2018, Effective End Date: December 31, 2021.
Lauriault, L. M. Fee-based alfalfa variety testing, 2017, Multiple seed companies, $2125.00, Description: Entry fees for alfalfa varieties planted in one year and compared for the next three years at various NMSU locations across the state, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: April 1, 2017, Effective End Date: December 31, 2020.
Lauriault, L. M. Fee-based alfalfa variety testing, 2015, Multiple seed companies, $6,225.00, Description: Entry fees for alfalfa varieties planted in one year and compared for the next three years at various NMSU locations across the state, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: April 1, 2015, Effective End Date: December 31, 2018.
Lauriault, L. M. Fee-based corn and sorghum variety testing, 2018, Multiple seed companies, $3850.00 (after refunding 50% due to planting but no harvesting), Description: Entry fees for corn and sorghum varieties, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: April 1, 2018, Effective End Date: December 31, 2017.
Lauriault, L. M. Fee-based cotton variety testing, 2018, Multiple seed companies, $875.00 (after refunding 50% due to planting but no harvesting), Description: Entry fees for cotton varieties, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: April 1, 2018, Effective End Date: December 31, 2018.
Lauriault, L. M. Donations for Field Day and other outreach activities, 2018, Local and regional businesses, $1575.00, Description: Funds solicited to support outreach and educational programs, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: January 1, 2018, Effective End Date: December 31, 2018.
Lauriault, L. M. Gift, New Mexico Hay Association, $5,000.00 ($4000 were sent directly to Cornell University to cover laboratory analysis costs for a specific project), Description: Gift toward forage research program, Status: Funded, Effective End Date: December 31, 2018.
Lauriault, L. M. Gift, Valent, USA, $5,000.00, Description: Gift toward forage research program, Status: Funded, Effective End Date: December 31, 2018.
9
Other Activities Jason Box Arch Hurley Conservancy District: Attended and participated in monthly meetings whenever possible as
an interested party. New Mexico Environment Department: Maintained and submitted semi-annual reports for wastewater use
at station including total water usage, nitrogen fertilizer applications, and septic tank conditions.
Murali Darapuneni Member of Plant and Environmental Sciences Department Undergraduate Student Recruitment and
Retention Committee. (August 2015-Present). Responded to questions from New Mexico residents regarding crop rotation/selection/ management
practices. Associate Editor, American Society of Agronomy, Editor, Madison, WI, USA, Made decisions
(Reject/Accept) on 2 manuscripts during 2016 (August 2016 - August 2018). Reviewed 4 manuscripts for two scientific journals.
Leonard Lauriault Conducted employee chemical safety training for Tucumcari Public School janitorial staff (May 11, 2018). Judged Agricultural Products, Quay County Fair, Tucumcari, NM, USA (August 15, 2018). Coordinated NMSU’s statewide alfalfa variety testing program. Responded to over 60 miscellaneous questions from New Mexico residents, including NMSU NRCS, and
FSA personnel, as well as residents and extension personnel in other states. Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Test, LLC. Assisted with test weigh days and sale. Continued program to distribute forage nitrate toxicity screening test kits to all interested AES and CES
personnel in New Mexico. Canadian River Soil and Water Conservation District: Attended and participated in monthly meetings
whenever possible as an interested party; supervised maintenance and handled reservations for two seed drills and a tree-planter owned by the District for use by producers; assisted with the development of a rental agreement for two ATV-mounted sprayers.
Set up booth display about the activities of the Agricultural Science Center at the Quay County Fair (Tucumcari, August 15-18, 2018), as well as at the center’s Bull Sale (March 10, 2018) and Field Day (August 9, 2018).
Quay County Table Top Food Co-op Exploration, Tucumcari, NM. Reviewed 12 manuscripts for eight scientific journals. Reviewed PhD research plan for student at MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan. Member of Certified Crop Advisor Board of New Mexico. Member of Northeastern New Mexico Regional Water Plan Steering Committee. Member of Ute Reservoir Watershed Alliance. Member of AOSCA C655.4 National Alfalfa & Misc. Legumes Review Board, Alternate Liaison. Member of Plant and Environmental Sciences Department (College Rank Spring and Fall Review). Member of College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Promotion and Tenure
Committees. Professional Development Activities and Other Meetings Attended Not Previously Mentioned Jason Box Continuing Education, Grazable Acres. Webinar (December 6, 2018). Continuing Education, Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, Amarillo, TX (November 29, 2018). Continuing Education, Spray Equipment Setup. Webinar (September 6, 2018). Continuing Education, Tucumcari ASC Field Day. Tucumcari, NM (August 9, 2018). Continuing Education, Quay County Weed Workshop. Tucumcari, NM (April 4, 2018). Continuing Education, Breakfast Round Table. Tucumcari, NM (February 27, 2018). Continuing Education, High Plains Irrigation Conf. Amarillo, TX (February 7, 2018). Murali Darapuneni Conference Attendance, ASA, CSSA, and CCS meetings, Tri Societies, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
(November 5-7, 2018).
10
Conference Attendance, Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting, Western Society of Crop Science, Laramie, WY (June 19-20, 2018).
Seminar/Workshop, Quay county weed management workshop, NMSU Quay County Extension, Tucumcari, NM (April 4, 2018).
Leonard Lauriault Continuing Education, The New Mexico Sustainable Agriculture Conference, NMSU Cooperative
Extension Service and WSARE, Los Lunas, NM (December 12, 2018). Continuing Education, The 9th Annual Forage Growers Workshop, NMSU Valencia County Cooperative
Extension Service, Los Lunas, NM (December 4, 2018). Continuing Education, Annual Meeting of the Western Society of Crop Science, Western Society of Crop
Science, Laramie, WY (June 19-20, 2018). Seminar/Workshop, Big Impact: Why impactful reporting matters and how to do it well, NMSU, Las
Cruces, NM (May 22, 2018). Short Course, Conflict, Communication and Change, New Mexico Risk Management Division Office of
Alternative Dispute Prevention and Resolution, Las Cruces, NM, USA, 14 credit hours, approximately 14 hours spent per year, Certificate of Completion (May 3, 2018 - May 4, 2018).
Continuing Education, Tractor Safety, NMSU Environmental Health and Safety, Tucumcari, NM, USA, 1.25 credit hours (April 16, 2018).
Continuing Education, Let's Talk! Breakfast in Town, NMSU Corona Range and Livestock Research Center and Quay County Cooperative Extension Service, Tucumcari, NM (February 27, 2018).
Continuing Education, Mesquite Control Seminar, Local grassroots promotion, Tucumcari, NM (February 24, 2018).
Continuing Education, Beef Quality Assurance Training, New Mexico/Quay County Cooperative Extension Service, Tucumcari, NM (January 24, 2018).
Continuing Education, Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, New Mexico Hay Association, Ruidoso, NM (January 17, 2018-January 19, 2018).
Memberships Murali Darapuneni American Chemical Society, Invited Member, Scope: International. Crop Science Society of America, Scope: International. American Society of Agronomy, Scope: International. Soil Science Society of America, Scope: International. The Association of Agricultural Scientists of Indian Origin, Scope: International. Sigma-Xi Scientific Society, Scope: International.
Leonard Lauriault Western Society of Crop Science, Scope: International Crop Science Society of America, Scope: International. American Society of Agronomy, Scope: International. New Mexico Hay Association, Ex-officio Director, Scope: State. American Forage and Grassland Council, Scope: National. Sigma-Xi Scientific Society, Scope: International. Certifications: Jason Box New Mexico Beef Quality Assurance Trained Producer, New Mexico Livestock Board. First Detector Certification, National Plant Diagnostic Network. Public Pesticide Applicator’s License. Private Pesticide Applicator’s License for Rodent Control. NMSU Assurance of Actual Training, IACUC. Agricultural Science Center Hazard Communication Standard. Worker Protection Standard, Pesticide Handler. Forklift Certification
11
Murali Darapuneni HAZMAT, CPN Neutron Gauge. (August 2014 - Present). Nuclear Gauge Safety Certification CPN. (August 26, 2014 - Present). Neutron Gauge Operation, New Mexico State University. Agricultural Science Center Hazard Communication Standard. Worker Protection Standard, Pesticide Handler.
Leonard Lauriault Certified Forage and Grassland Professional, American Forage and Grassland Council (through
December 31, 2019). Certified Hay Sampler, National Forage Testing Association (December 1, 2017 - Present). Worker Protection Standard - Train-the-Trainer for Workers, Iowa State University Extension and
Outreach. (February 16, 2017 - Present). Worker Protection Standard, Pesticide Handler. Public Pesticide Applicator’s License (categories 1a&b, 3a&b, and 10), New Mexico Department of
Agriculture. Private Pesticide Applicator’s License for Rodent Control (PRRO), New Mexico Department of
Agriculture. NMSU Assurance of Actual Training, IACUC. Agricultural Science Center Hazard Communication Standard.
Gasper Martinez NMSU Assurance of Actual Training, IACUC. Working with Cattle in Agricultural Research Settings. Agricultural Science Center Hazard Communication Standard. Worker Protection Standard, Pesticide Handler. Neutron Gauge Operation, New Mexico State University (July 18, 2018 – Present).
Patricia Cooksey Agricultural Science Center Hazard Communication Standard. Ten Stress Management Tips. Time Management. Fiscal Year End Review. Eastern District Administrative Training.
Farm Staff NMSU Assurance of Actual Training, IACUC. Agricultural Science Center Hazard Communication Standard. Worker Protection Standard, Pesticide Handler. Forklift Certification.
12
The first documented weather observations in the Tucumcari area were from a weather station near the Tucumcari Post Office, which was operational from December 1904 through February 1913. The weather station at the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari has remained in continuous operation since establishment at its current location in January 1912. Weather observations at the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari from 1905 – 2002 have been summarized in an Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report available online (http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/research/weather_climate/RR751.pdf). Observations include maximum and minimum air, soil, and water temperatures, precipitation, wind speed, and aboveground pan evaporation. From 1918 until 2017 pan evaporation and wind speed were reported for April through September. Beginning in 2018, they also will be reported for October.
Total precipitation for 2018 was 14.10 inches, 2.69 inches less than the long-term average of 16.79 inches, and less than that reported in for 2015 and 2017, but near 2014 and 2016 (Table 1). The record of 34.96 inches was set in 1941 (Table 2).
Table 2. Highest and lowest monthly precipitation (inches) recorded at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, 1905-2018.
Month Highest Year Lowest Year January 1.68 1999 0.00 1967 February 2.40 1912 0.00 2000 March 3.69 1919 0.00 1966 April 4.89 1997 0.00 1996 May 8.72 1921 0.00 1927 June 6.39 1919 0.00 1947 July 11.28 1950 0.24 1987 August 8.38 1933 0.12 1951 September 7.23 1941 0.00 1948 October 7.51 1923 0.00 1975 November 4.00 1905 0.00 1989 December 4.27 1959 0.00 1933 Growing Season (April - October) 31.14 1941 5.14 1934 Annual 34.96 1941 6.13 1934 Note: Where minimum records are shared by more than one year, only the most recent year is
listed. In previous years, Growing Season data were reported for April - September.
Table 1. Summary of monthly precipitation amounts (inches) recorded at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari.
Month 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Long-term Average
(1905-2018) January tr. 1.02 0.01 1.44 0.01 0.40 February 0.03 0.17 0.94 0.89 0.03 0.51 March 0.16 2.16 0.08 0.38 0.22 0.77 April 0.51 2.73 0.67 1.93 0.21 1.17 May 1.82 1.82 1.30 4.02 2.42 1.99 June 0.56 0.98 3.28 2.07 4.00 2.02 July 1.16 1.58 1.11 7.56 2.54 2.80 August 3.63 6.48 2.33 2.03 0.82 2.84 September 0.78 2.65 0.41 1.31 2.73 1.64 October 4.27 3.62 1.39 0.81 0.19 1.33 November 0.56 0.01 0.08 1.23 0.37 0.68 December 0.62 0.00 0.37 2.85 0.38 0.64 Total 14.10 23.22 11.97 26.52 13.92 16.79
Annual Weather Summary
13
Near average precipitation was recorded in May, November, and December, while August and October were well-above average and the remaining months were well-below average (Table 1). The greatest amount of precipitation falling within a 24-hour period (1.55 inches) was measured on May 22nd. Record high and low amounts of precipitation, by month, are shown in Table 2. No precipitation records were set in 2018.
The mean maximum temperature for 2018 was 74ºF, the mean minimum temperature was 44ºF, and the mean annual temperature for 2018 was 59ºF, all of which were near the respective long-term averages (Table 3).
Table 3. Summary of mean monthly temperatures at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari.
Date 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Long-term average
(1905-2018) .…….……….Mean Maximum Temperature (°F)…………………..
January 55 52 53 49 56 53 February 62 65 63 57 56 57 March 69 57 70 65 66 65 April 72 72 73 75 75 73 May 88 80 81 75 82 81 June 95 94 93 91 91 91 July 96 96 100 94 93 93 August 92 88 91 92 93 91 September 86 84 88 91 82 85 October 69 75 83 73 79 75 November 57 69 66 63 61 62 December 52 57 53 55 55 53 Annual 74 75 71 71 74 73 **
.…….……….Mean Minimum Temperature (°F)………………….. January 22 25 24 24 22 24 February 27 34 30 26 26 27 March 35 31 35 35 32 33 April 39 44 41 42 42 42 May 56 48 51 49 51 51 June 66 61 62 62 62 61 July 66 67 68 66 64 65 August 64 62 63 64 64 63 September 57 56 58 62 58 56 October 45 45 49 49 47 44 November 29 38 38 33 30 33 December 25 24 25 28 25 25 Annual 44 45 45 43 44 44
.……....…………..Mean Temperature (°F)……………………….. January 38 39 38 36 39 38 February 44 50 47 42 42 42 March 52 44 53 50 49 49 April 56 58 57 58 58 58 May 72 64 66 62 66 66 June 81 78 78 76 76 76 July 81 82 84 80 79 79 August 78 75 77 78 79 77 September 72 70 73 76 70 71 October 57 60 66 61 63 60 November 44 54 52 48 45 48 December 38 41 39 49 40 39 Annual 59 60 60 57 59 59 Note: *Indicates 1 year of missing data **Indicates 2 years of missing data Some records from previous years have been corrected
14
The lowest recorded temperatures in 2018 of were recorded on January 2nd and December 30th (6ºF). The highest temperature for the year, 106ºF, was recorded on July 20th, which was a record for that date. A 105ºF temperature on July 23rd tied the record for that date set in 2016. Record lows were set on October 15th and 16th (28 ºF and 31ºF, respectively). Highest and lowest recorded temperatures and mean temperature extremes are shown in Table 4. No new daily or monthly record extreme high or low temperatures were set in 2018 (Table 4).
Table 4. Highest and lowest recorded temperatures (°F) and mean temperatures (°F), by month, at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari.
Daily Record Extremes (1913-2018) Monthly Mean Extremes (1905-2018) Highest
Temp Date Lowest Temp Date
Highest Max Year
Lowest Min Year Month
January 80 1/17/1974 -22 1/13/1963 62 2006 12 1963 February 84 2/11/2017 -16 2/7/1933 67 1976 17 1929 March 92 3/12/1989 -3 3/5/1948 75 1974 24 1965 April 97 4/26/2012 12 4/3/1920 81 2012 37 1983 May 103 5/24/2000 25 5/6/2017 90 1996 46 1983 June 109 6/28/2013 37 6/1/1919 99 2011 55 1983 July 108 7/11/2016 52 7/5/1995 101 2011 61 1967 August 108 8/21/2007 49 8/29/1988 100 2011 57 1965 September 105 9/1/2011 30 9/26/1970 92 2010 51 2006 October 97 10/4/2000 12 10/30/1993 83 2016 39 2009 November 90 11/9/2006 -2 11/28/1976 71 1999 26 1929 December 82 12/17/1980 -18 12/31/1918 66 1980 17 1983 Annual 79 2011 41 1963 Note: Where records are shared by more than one year, only the most recent year is listed.
The last spring temperature of 32ºF in 2018 was recorded on April 19th (Table 5). The first temperature of 32ºF in autumn was recorded on October 15th. Average last spring and first autumn freeze dates are April 4th and October 14th, respectively. The 2018 growing season was 179 days, 15 days shorter than the long-term average. The longest and shortest growing seasons on record are 225 and 136 days, respectively, which were recorded in 2015 and 1945, respectively.
Total snowfall in 2018 was 15.48 inches. The last snowfall in spring 2018 was recorded on February 11th and the first snowfall in autumn fell on November 11th. The last snowfall in spring has occurred as late as
2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Earliest Year Latest Year32°F or less Last in Spring 19-Apr 30-Apr 30-Apr 26-Mar 15-Apr 4-Apr 24-Mar 1943 15-May 1945 First in Autumn 15-Oct 10-Oct 9-Nov 6-Nov 11-Nov 14-Oct 17-Sep 1965 19-Nov 1989 Growing Season (Days) 179 163 193 225 210 194 136 1945 222 1989
28°F or less (Hard Freeze) Last in Spring 10-Apr 26-Mar 2-Apr 6-Mar 15-Apr 26-Mar 6-Mar 2015* 6-May 1917 First in Autumn 15-Oct 9-Nov 18-Nov 12-Nov 11-Nov 25-Oct 8-Oct 1970 27-Nov 2001** Number of Hard Freeze- Free Days 188 247 230 251 210 213 169 1917 256 2001
Record Extremes
Table 5. Summary of last spring and first fall temperatures of 32°F and 28°F and growing season at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari.
*Also in 1935**Also in 1965 & 1923
Long-term average
(1913-2018)
15
May 18th in 1935 and 1980. The first snowfall in autumn has been recorded as early as October 8th in 1970.
Summaries of pan evaporation and wind run at the center are shown in Table 6. Readings for October are included beginning in 2018. Except for daily evaporation in June and September, daily, monthly, and season total (April - September) evaporation were above their respective long-term averages and the season total was well below the record set in 2011 (97.44 inches). April, August, and September were at or near the average for wind speed. May, June, and July wind speeds and the season average were below the long-term average, but the season average (April – September) was still greater than the calmest season on record of 2.3 mph in 1979. The windiest April - September was in 1918 (7.7 mph).
Table 6. Summary of pan evaporation (inches) and wind run (average miles per hour ) at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari.
Pan Evaporation Wind Run
2018 Long-term
(1953 – 2018) 2018 Long-term
(1918 – 2018) Daily Monthly Daily Daily Daily Month Total Average Average Average Average Average
.……………………….inches…………………….. mph mph April 11.43 0.36 10.75 0.35 5.4 5.4 May 14.84 0.41 12.57 0.40 4.2 4.8 June 15.77 0.46 13.94 0.46 2.2 4.5 July 14.54 0.44 13.53 0.43 3.4 3.7 August 13.95 0.45 11.58 0.37 3.4 3.3 September 9.53 0.31 9.26 0.31 3.7 3.6 October* 5.76 0.20 5.76 0.20 3.6 3.6 April - September total/average 80.06 0.41 71.50 0.39 3.7 4.2 April – October total/average* 85.82 0.38 77.26 0.36 3.7 4.1 *Pan evaporation and wind run readings for October were initiated in 2018. Consequently, the October and April – October long-term totals/averages are based on a single year of data.
16
The Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari received $98,882.00 in operational funds in FY 2017-2018 (Table1).
The center billed itself $29,252.00 for vehicle and equipment use based on established mileage rates and hourly charges for vehicles, tractors, and other equipment.
The alfalfa variety-testing program generated $2,600.00, the corn & sorghum variety tests generated $6,602.50 and the cotton variety test generated $1,052.28 in FY 2017-2018.
The center’s operational expenditures in fiscal year 2017-2018 totaled $156,610.00 (Table 1). The largest expenditure ($34,284.00) was Capital Equipment purchase of a KIFCO AG-Rain Water Reel Traveling Irrigation System). Irrigation Services was the second largest expense totaled 20.648.00. The third largest expenditure was Farm/Ranch Service Services which includes Tractor/Equipment Use including vehicle use ($15, 529.00). Although Tractor/Vehicle Use and Irrigation Services are in the expenditure category of Table 1, they also are a revenue source for the Irrigation Index (120592) and the Tractor/Vehicle Index (101507).
Expenditures for Other Supplies (which includes non-office supplies, irrigation supplies, and pest control supplies, etc.) was $4,545.00 in FY 2017-2018. The total for seed and chemicals was $3,204.00.
Major purchase during the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year are listed in Table 2.
Operational Revenues and Expenditures
17
Ta
ble
1. N
MSU
Agr
icul
tura
l Sci
ence
Cen
ter a
t Tuc
umca
ri, A
ppro
xim
ate
Exp
endi
ture
s by
Inde
x an
d Ac
coun
t Cod
es F
Y 20
17-2
018.
Adm
inS t
atio
nFo
rage
Dr
ylan
dTu
cum
cari
Trac
tor &
Rene
wal &
Fiel
dFo
rage
Mur
ali
Bull
Irrig
atio
nGr
and
Plan
Sale
sM
gmt.
Crop
ping
Past
ures
Vehi
cle R
epla
cem
ent
DayF
ound
atio
nSt
art-u
pTe
stTo
tal
Item
1218
5112
0435
1258
8112
4581
1237
3610
1507
1073
4690
2395
9031
2412
4497
1201
7612
0592
REVE
NUE
Begi
nnin
g Ba
lanc
e70
,392
15,1
1412
,490
15,0
0019
144
,193
5,42
21,
118
012
,168
23,5
4013
,244
212,
872
Sale
s/Fe
es G
ener
ated
15,9
9623
,121
39,1
17Pr
ivat
e Gi
fts2,
100
4,75
06,
850
Cattl
e Ga
in0
Irrig
atio
n Se
rvic
es10
,175
10,1
75Ve
hicl
e/Tr
acto
r Usa
ge16
,007
16,0
07TO
TAL
REVE
NUES
70,3
9231
,109
12,4
9015
,000
191
60,1
995,
422
3,21
84,
750
12,1
6846
,661
23,4
2028
5,02
1EX
PEND
ITUR
ESPE
RSON
NEL
T em
pora
ry/T
erm
Sal
ary
4,65
46,
316
10,9
70Te
mpo
rary
Frin
ges
935
935
Over
time
0Re
gula
r Fin
ges
130
130
TRAV
EL0
Dom
estic
Tra
vel
1,31
710
23,
757
675,
243
Fore
ign
Trav
el0
SUPP
LIES
0Au
to/T
ract
or S
uppl
ies
3,22
83,
228
Fuel
s &
Lubr
ican
ts43
717
224
73,
357
(170
)4,
042
Offic
e Su
pplie
s2,
521
605
329
3,45
5Ot
her S
uppl
ies
3,21
297
727
614
664,
545
Lab
Supp
lies
0Cl
eani
ng/J
anito
rial S
uppl
ies
366
366
Med
ical
/Saf
ety
Supp
lies
344
8042
4Fe
ed/S
eed/
Ferti
lizer
2,57
114
561
43,
204
Keys
0Du
es/F
ees/
Taxe
s26
650
567
470
287
(1)
2,39
34,
032
Busi
ness
Mea
ls/F
ood
Item
s44
21,
724
2,16
6Bo
oks
145
4414
032
9Pu
blic
atio
ns/F
ilms/
Perio
dica
ls15
972
231
Furn
/Offi
ce E
quip
<=$5
000
1,42
879
413
02,
352
Smal
l Too
ls74
925
91,
008
Bldg
. Rep
air &
Mai
nt P
arts
0Eq
uip.
Rep
air/M
aint
enan
ce P
arts
162
452
1,03
61,
007
2,65
7Co
mpu
ter/E
lect
roni
c Su
pplie
s 0
TOTA
L SU
PPLI
ES &
MAT
ERIA
LS19
,837
165
6,99
38,
504
808,
703
01,
724
00
(157
)3,
466
49,3
14
18
Tabl
e 1.
(co
ntin
ued)
NM
SU A
gric
ultu
ral S
cien
ce C
ente
r at T
ucum
cari,
App
roxi
mat
e Ex
pend
iture
s by
Inde
x an
d Ac
coun
t Cod
es, F
Y 20
17-2
018.
Adm
inSt
atio
nFo
rage
Dr
ylan
dTu
cum
cari
Trac
tor/
Rene
wal &
Fiel
dFo
rage
Mur
ali
Bull
Irrig
atio
nGr
and
Plan
Sale
sM
gmt.
Crop
ping
Past
ures
Vehi
cleR
epla
cem
ent
DayF
ound
atio
nSt
art-u
pTe
stTo
tal
Item
1218
5112
0435
1258
8112
4581
1237
3610
1507
1073
4690
2395
9031
2412
4497
1201
7612
0592
SERV
ICES
Gene
ral S
ervi
ces
Med
ical
/Vet
Ser
vice
s0
Post
age
308
2815
618
97
769
5Te
leph
one
1,27
71,
277
Cellu
lar E
xpen
se36
036
0In
tern
et
1,66
41,
664
Prin
ting/
Repr
oduc
tion
5151
Repa
ir/M
aint
. Bld
g5,
012
5,01
2Re
pair/
Mai
nt. E
lect
ric17
917
9Re
pair/
Mai
nt.E
quip
men
t70
71,
223
1,70
33,
633
Utili
ties
- Ele
ctric
5,63
91,
779
7,41
8Ut
ilitie
s - G
as1,
168
1,16
8Tr
ash
Haul
ing
520
520
Sem
inar
/Tra
inin
g30
30Ve
hicl
e In
sura
nce
0Ad
verti
sing
292
114
406
Sale
s Ta
x6
(7)
10
Prof
/Con
tract
Ser
vice
s19
121
975
485
Rent
al55
255
2La
b An
alys
is32
114
1,51
61,
415
1,74
54,
822
Vehi
cle
Usag
e67
067
0Irr
igat
ion
Serv
ices
5,65
51,
173
767
13,0
5320
,648
Farm
/Ran
ch S
ervi
ces
(Tra
ctor
ho
7,37
62,
580
2,21
23,
606
(245
)15
,529
Frei
ght
5132
021
392
Supp
ort T
ax7,
500
7,50
0Co
mpu
ter S
oftw
are
0TO
TAL
SERV
ICES
31,6
8810
,221
5,37
76,
262
01,
225
011
41,
745
7(2
45)
16,6
1773
,012
Furn
/Equ
ipm
ent >
= $5
000
19,0
003,
117
12,1
6834
,284
TOTA
L EQ
UIP.
& C
AP. O
UTLA
Y19
,000
00
00
03,
117
00
12,1
680
034
,284
TOTA
L EX
PENS
ES70
,526
10,3
8612
,370
14,7
6680
9,92
73,
117
1,83
71,
745
12,1
75(4
02)
20,0
8315
6,61
0EN
DING
BAL
ANCE
(134
)20
,723
120
234
111
50,2
722,
306
1,38
13,
005
(7)
47,0
633,
337
128,
411
19
Table 2. Listing of major purchases paid for during FY 2017-2018, NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari.
Index Description Cost
101507 Repair Kawasaki Mule, David Brwon Sports Center $1,066.98 120592 Parts for Nelson Valve on North Pivot, Ag Services $1,006.80 120592 Treated Effluent Wastewater, City of Tucumcari $9,000.00 Electric to deliver wastewater $2,852.67 Miscellaneous fees (operation, maintenance. repair) $1,200.00 $13,052.67
120592 Annual Irrigation Water Assessment, AHCD $2,392.59 120592 Repair to center pivot. Ashcraft Enterprises $1,702.99 121851 Structural investigation to ASC-Tucumcari buildings
Occam Engineers, Inc $4,534.64 121851 Traveling Irrigation System. Sierra Irrigation Supply $19,000.00 124497 $12,167.53 107346 $3,116.61 $34,284.00
121851 Pumped septic tanks. RBM, Inc. $700.00 120435 Landscape Rake, Tractor Supply $617.02
Support Tax $7,500.00
Total $66,857.69
20
Investigator(s): M. Darapuneni1, G. Martinez, L.M. Lauriault1, J. Box1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A.
Williams1
1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Potential Impact(s): Manure application costs can be cut by up to 60% by applying manure only in the strip-till zone. Additionally, three years after a single 10 tons /A manure application, with or without incorporation, grain sorghum biomass continues to be greater by no-till planting into the original strip-till zone. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): A study was established in 2018 into an area where single manure application was previously made in 2016 in combination with strip-tillage treatments using an Orthman 1tRIPr strip tillage machine set on 30-in. centers. The field is located along US 54 on the east side of the center’s driveway where the soil was Canez fine sandy loam. The treatment combinations applied in 2016 were 0, 5, or 10 ton/A of manure rates [0T (control), 5T, and 10T, respectively) applied at the surface of a previously strip-tilled band that was either left at the surface or incorporated to a 6-8inch depth by a second pass of the strip-till machine. Manure application rates were calculated on %w/w basis and applications were made manually on June 7, 2016. The experiment was a split-plot design with 4 replications with the main treatment being manure application rate and subplot as the incorporation method. Each experimental unit was a 30x10 ft. with four rows on 30-in. row spacing. Before applying the manure in 2016, three random samples were collected from a manure pile and composited before being sent to Ward Laboratories, Kearney, NE for chemical analysis. Results of that analysis has been reported in the 2016 Annual Progress Report of the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari (https://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/2016-annual-report.pdf).
Grain sorghum was planted at 43,344 seeds/A on May 29, 2018, with a John Deer row crop planter fitted with a front coulter for no-till planting into a seedbed with good soil moisture for germination. Plots were given 1.5 in. of supplemental irrigation on June 30, 2018, because little precipitation had fallen since planting and seedlings were obviously stressed. Roundup (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) was sprayed on July 29, 2018 to control broad leaf and grass weeds.
At two-week intervals from immediate post-planting to immediate post-harvest, soil moisture samples were collected to a 30-in. depth from two locations each from within the strip-tilled row without affecting plants using a Giddings Hydraulic Soil Sampling Machine. Initial soil samples were collected on June 1, 2018. Upon collection, samples were divided into 6-in. increments. Incremental samples from same soil depth within plot were stored in a paper bag and wrapped in a plastic bag then weighed. The samples were then dried at 221°F for 24 hours and reweighed to determine the gravimetric weight (%w/w).
On October 26, 2018, 10-ft.of the center two rows of each plot were hand harvested to assess stalk yield characteristics and plant chemical composition. Sub-samples of biomass were collected and sent to Ward laboratories, Kearney, NE, for tissue nutrient analysis.
Temporal Changes in Grain Sorghum Yield and Residual Soil Characteristics-Three Years after Single Beef Cattle Manure Application
21
Soil moisture and nutrient data and plant biomass and nutrient data were analyzed using SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, 2013). An alpha level of 5% was required to show a significant difference. When a difference among treatments was found, means were separated by least significant difference.
Results: The trial was managed under dryland conditions, with lifesaving irrigation. Total precipitation received from planting to harvesting was 7.3 inches. Supplemental irrigation was provided due to low precipitation after planting to sustain good stand establishment; however, extremely dry conditions at the critical pollination and grain filling stages resulted in no grain production in 2018. Therefore, only biomass yields were reported.
Post-harvest soil chemical analysis after three years of grain sorghum production showed a significant increase in the residual nitrate-N and Olsen-P contents at the top 0-24 inches soil depth in the 10T rate (Table 1). Incorporation of 10T had a significant advantage over surface application in accumulating residual soil nitrate-N and Olsen-P, with an exception of 0-12 inches in the residual nitrate-N. The 5T manure rate was not consistent in showing residual nitrate-N and P advantage over the control. Other chemical characteristics, such as pH and organic matter, were not influenced by either manure rate or application method at both depths (Table 1).
Biomass yield of grain sorghum was significantly affected by manure treatments (Table 2). Manure incorporation at a 6-inch depth in 10T significantly improved the biomass yield over its corresponding surface application. This advantage from incorporation of 5T was not apparent. Tissue N and P elemental composition of grain sorghum was till significantly impacted by manure treatments after three years. Incorporation, especially of 10T, significantly increased the biomass P content (Table 2).
Table 2: Effect of manure and strip-tillage treatments applied in 2016 on no-till grain sorghum biomass yield and composition at Tucumcari, NM, in 2018.
Manure Treatment Biomass (lb/A) Biomass N (%) Biomass P (%) Control 977 c 1.33 c 0.10 c 5T+ S 996 c 1.31 c 0.11 c 5T+ I 1045 c 1.42 b 0.12 bc 10T+ S 1479 b 1.53 ab 0.14 b 10T + I 2075 a 1.59 a 0.18 a P-value 0.0135 0.0378 0.0211 CV (%) 22.3 7.2 8.7
Table 1. Effect of manure and strip-tillage treatments applied in 2016 on grain sorghum post-harvest soil chemical characteristics at Tucumcari, NM, in 2018
Manure Treatment
Soil depth 0-12'' 12-24'' 0-12'' 12-24'' 0-12'' 12-24'' 0-12'' 12-24''
No3-N (ppm) Olsen-P (ppm) pH Organic Matter (%) Control 1.69 b 1.73 bc 20.4 d 23.01 c 8.1 8.0 1.01 1.10 5T+ S 1.62 b 1.64 c 22.23 c 22.77 c 8.2 8.1 1.09 1.09 5T+ I 1.66 b 1.77 b 22.95 c 23.15 c 8.2 8.0 0.97 1.10 10T+ S 1.94 a 1.82 b 27.44 b 26.92 b 8.1 8.1 1.01 1.09 10T + I 1.99 a 2.04 a 31.24 a 30.67 a 8.1 8.2 1.16 1.12 P-value 0.0417 0.0498 0.0137 0.0484 0.7804 0.5678 0.6782 0.4352 Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on the 5% LSD.
22
Although statistically not significant, there was a trend that showed slightly elevated levels of the tissue N in the manure incorporation treatments over surface applications (Table 2). This may be due to significant increase in the soil nitrate-N and Olsen-P with incorporation compared to surface application.
Water dynamics and water use efficiency of grain sorghum in third year following a single application of manure are presented in the Table 2.
Total plant water use was statistically higher in the 10T manure rate in both surface and incorporation application methods compared to control and 5T rate. Water productivity (biomass yield/acre-inch of water use) was significantly affected by manure treatments. Both manure rates had significantly higher water productivity compared to the control (Table 2), especially with incorporation. Incorporation of 10T increased the water productivity by 50 lb ac-in-1 compared to its corresponding surface application; however, this significant difference between the two application methods was not observed for the 5T treatments.
Table 3: Effect of manure and strip-tillage treatments applied in 2016 on water use and water productivity of no-till grain sorghum at Tucumcari, NM, in 2018.
Manure Treatment Total Water Use (in) Water Productivity (lb ac in-1) Control 4.86 c 201 d 5T+ S 4.45 c 224 cd 5T+ I 4.49 c 233 c 10T+ S 5.60 b 264 b 10T + I 6.61 a 314 a P-value 0.034 0.022 CV (%) 10.74 9.2
23
Crop Investigator(s):
M. Darapuneni1, G.K. Martinez1, L.M. Lauriault1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A. Williams1
1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401.
Potential Impact(s):
Use of opportune/cover crops to replace the winter fallow period in semi-arid cropping systems could help farming communities achieve higher resource-use efficiency (especially water and nutrients) and productivity. Introducing diversity into a traditional rotation will ensure better soil health. Planting efficient winter crops in the fallow provides a forage source for cattle but also potentially generates additional income by producing seed under favorable weather conditions. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Materials and Methods:
To evaluate the production and input-use efficiency of several winter cover crops/rotation crops for semi-arid environments, a study was planted under both limited irrigation and dryland conditions using multiple legumes and canola. Cultivars and seeding rates for winter cover/rotation crops can be found in Table 1. The legumes were inoculated with appropriate strain of Rhizobium.
Table 1. Species, cultivars, and seeding rates for irrigated and dryland winter cover crops planted at Tucumcari in 2018.
Crop Scientific Name Cultivar(s) Irrigated Rate Dryland Rate Austrian winter pea Pisum sativum Unknown 150lb/A 80lb/A Berseem clover Trifolium alexandrinum Balady, Frosty 44lb/A 20lb/A Winter canola Brassica napas DKW45-25 7lb/A 5lb/A Red clover Trifolium pratense Medium 12lb/A 8lb/A Rose clover Trifolium hirtum Overton R18 13lb/A 7lb/A Hairy vetch Vicia villosa Unknown 35lb/A 15lb/A
The study was established under the North Farm center pivot irrigation system (Canez fine sandy loam soil) in an area designated for limited irrigation and in an area designated for dryland conditions. The experiment was planted in a randomized block design with four replications with plot dimensions of 10x20ft. The plots were planted using a plot drill with a metering cone and set to 8 in. row spacing on September 25, 2018, into a conventionally tilled seedbed. Soil samples were collected from each plot with a Giddings Machine using a 48 in. by 2 in. diameter sampling tube with view slots on November 19-20, 2018. These samples were broken down into 1ft increments for nutrient analysis. Access tubes were installed to 5ft deep in the holes left after soil sampling to measure water use efficiency using a CPN Hydroprobe. Irrigation totaling 2 in. was applied to both tests in 0.5 in. increments on alternating days to facilitate seed germination. .
The study is in progress and data will be collected throughout the season. The results will be reported in 2019 research report.
Evaluation of Fall Planted Cover/Rotation Crop Alternatives for Semi-Arid Cropping Systems
24
Investigator(s): M. Darapuneni1, G.K. Martinez1, L.M. Lauriault1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and
A. Williams1
1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Potential Impact(s): Use of opportune/cover crops to replace the summer fallow period in semi-arid cropping systems could help farming communities achieve higher resource-use efficiency (especially water and nutrients) and productivity as well as promote broader marketing opportunities. Understanding the water use dynamics of various cover crops and increasing diversity in the cropping systems could reduce the seasonal risk of crop failures due to water scarcity. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Methods: To evaluate the production and input use efficiency of several warm-season cover/rotation crops for semi-arid environments, a study was planted under both irrigated and dryland conditions. Crop selections and seeding rates for this study can be found in Table 1. Legumes were inoculated with the appropriate species of rhizobium.
The study was established under the center pivot irrigation system at the North Farm. The soil type was Canez fine sandy loam. The experiment was planted in a randomized block design with four replications with plot dimensions of 10x20ft. The plots were planted using a plot drill with a metering cone and set to 8in row spacing on May 30-31, 2018. After planting, soil samples were collected and access tubes were installed into each plot with a Giddings Machine using a 48 in. by 2 in. diameter sampling tube with view slots. Soil samples collected were broken down into 6in increments for nutrient analysis. Access tubes were installed to 5ft deep in the plots to measure water use efficiency using a CPN Hydroprobe every two weeks.
Irrigated plots received 17.9 in. of water to supplement 10.4 in. growing season (June to October) precipitation. Two 1 in. lifesaving irrigations were given to dryland plots to encourage proper germination and establishment at the beginning of the trial.
Table 1. Species, cultivars, and seeding rates for irrigated and dryland warm-season cover/rotation crops at Tucumcari in 2018.
Crop Scientific Name Cultivar Irrigated Rate Dryland Rate Pearl millet Pisum sativum Wonderleaf 25lb/A 6lb/A Cowpea Vigna unguiculata Iron & Clay 50lb/A 12.5lb/A Spring canola Brassica napas DKL30-20 6lb/A 5lb/A Chickpea Cicer arietinum CDC Frontier 250lb/A 150lb/A German millet Setarua italica Unknown 20lb/A 10lb/A Proso millet Panicum miliaceum Dove 20lb/A 12.5lb/A Pole bean Phaseolus coccineus Kentucky wonder 45lb/A 20lb/A Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus Jackson wonder 60lb/A 30lb/A Lablab Lablab purpureus Rongi 26lb/A 13lb/A Sesbania Sesbania sesban Unknown 40lb/A 15lb/A Pearl millet + cowpea see above see above 50:50 @ half rate
Evaluation of Spring Planted Cover/Rotation Crop Alternatives for Semi-Arid Cropping Systems
25
When appropriate, weed management (Table 2) was used in addition to hand weeding plots to control large weed infestations. Table 2. Pesticides used during the warm-season cover/rotation crop study at Tucumcari in
2018. Trade Name Rate Crop Date
RoundUp 3% vol/vol canola and borders 7/5/2018 Detonate 3% vol/vol grass species 7/11/2018 Sevin 2oz/gal legume species 7/17/2018
Both dryland and irrigation experiments were harvested on October 16 and 22-23, 2018. A sample of harvested material from each plot was collected and dried for 48 h at 140°F to determine dry matter content and yield. Aboveground biomass for cowpeas and millets were harvested using 1m2 sampling frames at three random locations within each plot. Seed heads and biomass were placed into separate bags. Seeds were cleaned using a combination of sieves and forced-air seed cleaner. Seeds and biomass samples were dried for 48 h at 140°F and weighed to determine yield. The yield data were analyzed using SAS Proc GLM and treatment means were separated using LSD test with 5% alpha level.
Results: Under irrigated conditions, most of the crop species failed to produce measurable amounts of seed yield (Table 3). Pearl millet+cowpea intercrop produced significantly higher seed yield compared to cowpea sole crop (P<0.05). Biomass yield was significantly higher in cowpea, pearl millet+cowpea intercrop, pearl millet, lablab, and proso millet compared to other species, with the same amount of supplemental irrigation (Table 3). In the intercrop mix, in addition to the soil health benefits and high yield potential, the legume produces high-value protein-rich animal feed when the existing low quality feed sources cannot meet the nutritional requirements of cattle, if livestock is an integral component of the farming system.
All crop species failed to produce measurable amounts of seed yield under dryland conditions (Table 4).
Table 3. Yield characteristics of various cover/rotation crops under irrigated conditions in Tucumcari during summer, 2018.
Crop Seed yield (lb/A) Biomass yield (lb/A) Cowpea 1015 b 11736 a German Millet - 1778 b Lablab - 10935 a Lima Bean - 3451 b Pearl Millet - 9011 a Proso Millet - 7106 ab Pearl Millet + Cowpea 2426 a 11436 a Sesbania - 1944 b CV (%) 24 34
Table 4. Yield characteristics of various cover/rotation crops under dryland conditions in Tucumcari during summer, 2018.
Crop Seed yield (lb/A) Biomass yield (lb/A) Cowpea - 139 c German Millet - 1075 b Lablab - 547 bc Pearl Millet - 2182 a Proso Millet - 2209 a Pearl Millet + Cowpea - 1893 a Spring Canola - 672 bc CV (%) - 32
26
In addition to the non-uniform and untimely precipitation received during summer of 2018, a large number of weeds in the dryland cropping area suppressed the crop growth and development to the most extent. Weed control options in the study were limited due to the complexity of treatment structure that includes both broadleaf and grass species in adjacent plots. Biomass yield was significantly higher in both sole pearl millet and its combination with cowpea (Table 4; P<0.05).Under irrigated conditions, biomass water-use efficiency (WUE) of the pearl millet+ cowpea intercrop was statistically greater than all other crops tested, except cowpea sole crop (Table 5).
Table 5. Water use efficiency of various cover/rotation crops under both irrigated and dryland conditions in Tucumcari during summer, 2018.
Crop Irrigated Dryland
Total Water Use
(in.)* Biomass WUE
(lb ac-in-1) Total Water Use
(in.) Biomass WUE
(lb ac-in-1) Cowpea 18.7 a 628 ab 4.2 b 33 d German Millet 11.9 d 149 e 6.5 ab 165 b Lablab 18.2 a 601 b 6.7 ab 82 c Lima Bean 12.4 d 278 d _ _ Pearl Millet 15.7 bc 574 b 6.9 a 316 a Proso Millet 14.9 c 477 c 7.3 a 303 a Pearl Millet + Cowpea *17.1 ab 669 a 7.1 a 267 a Sesbania 13.2 cd 147 e _ _ Spring Canola _ _ 6.9 a 97 c CV% 21 19 17 22 *Total water use for producing both seed and biomass yield
However, it should be noted that the total water use data reported for pearl millet+ cowpea intercrop and cowpea sole crop in Table 5 are for producing both seed and biomass yield. Therefore, although biomass WUE of the pearl millet+ cowpea intercrop was not significantly different from cowpea WUE, the intercrop managed to produce more seed and biomass yield with less water compared to cowpea sole crop. In addition, generally, the amount of water to produce a unit of seed is twice as much as the amount to produce a unit of biomass. In this study, pearl millet+ cowpea produced more than twice the seed yield compared to cowpea (Table 3). Hence, the intercrop is more water-use efficient than cowpea sole crop.
Under dryland conditions, pearl and proso millets showed significantly higher biomass WUE than the other tested species, except pearl millet+ cowpea intercrop. The millets belong to C4 species and are known to be physiologically more efficient in producing more yield with less water.
27
Investigator(s): M. Darapuneni1, G.K. Martinez1, S. Angadi2, L.M. Lauriault1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S.
Jennings1, and A. Williams1
1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401 2New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, NM 88101
Potential Impact(s): Canola is an alternate winter rotation option to winter wheat that has potential for producing not only high-valued oil grain but also excellent forage during the winter season. Determining the appropriate N-application timing will not only help producers maximize the yield and quality of winter canola but also improve the N-use efficiency and on-farm economical returns in the semi-arid New Mexico. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): A study was established during the fall of 2018 under the center pivot irrigation system at the North Farm. Crop cultivars and seeding rates used in the study are mentioned the Table 1.
Table 1. Cultivars and seeding rates for irrigated canola study at Tucumcari in 2018.
Crop Scientific Name Cultivar Seeding
Rate Canola (Hybrid) Brassica napus Pioneer 46W94 6.2lb/A Canola (Open Pollinated) Brassica napus Riley 4.0lb/A
The soil type was Canez fine sandy loam. The experiment was planted in a randomized block design with four replications with plot dimensions of 10x30 ft. The plots were planted on September 18, 2018, using a plot drill with a metering cone and set to 8 in. row spacing. After planting, soil samples were collected using a Giddings Machine with a 48 in. long by 2 in. diameter sampling tube with view slots. Soil samples were broken down into 6 in. increments for nutrient analysis.
Nitrogen timing treatments planned for the experiment are mentioned in the Table 2. The N-source used in the study was 28-0-0-5 and initial applications were made via a boom sprayer. Intermittent plant samples and final soil samples will be collected to estimate the yield, quality, and N-use efficiency.
Table 2. Treatments structure for fall planted canola study at Tucumcari in 2018. Treatment Rate % Application Date Applied T1 120lb/A 100% Fall 10/30/2018 T2 120lb/A 50% Fall+ 50% Spring Fall – 10/30/2018 T3 120lb/A 25% Fall+ 50% Spring+25% Flowering Fall – 10/30/2018 T4 120lb/A 100% Spring -
The study is in progress and the results will be published in the annual report of 2019.
Winter Canola Nitrogen Management
28
Investigator(s): M. Darapuneni1, L.M. Lauriault1, G.K. Martinez1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and
A. Williams1
1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401.
Potential Impact(s): Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is among the top cash crops of New Mexico. In Alfalfa, potassium (K) alone constitutes about 2.5% of tissue weight. The application of a multi-nutrient source to potassium-deficient soils has tremendous potential for boosting alfalfa yield and nutrient value. This multi-nutrient fertilizer also supplements sulfur (S) and magnesium (Mg) for better growth and development in alfalfa. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Materials and Method(s): A study was initiated on alfalfa planted on October 11, 2018, at Crystal Springs Farms near Tularosa, NM, to evaluate the effects of a multi-nutrient fertilizer (MN) on alfalfa yield and nutritive value. The experiment is a randomized block design with four replications of 12x15 ft plots. Three random soil samples were collected from each plot on September 11, 2018, to a depth of 24 in. and composited by 12-in. increment depths. These composite samples were air-dried for 72 hours and sent to Ward Laboratories (Kearney, NE) for initial nutrient analysis, which indicated low potassium concentration (about 80 ppm). Optimum rates of N, P2O5, K2O, and S removal in each ton alfalfa hay are 50 lb of N, 12 lb of P2O5, 60 lb of K2O, 45 lb of S, and 4.5 lb of Mg. The fertilizer treatment (Table 1) combination amounts will be calculated based on anticipated nutrient removal by target alfalfa yields. The study is maintained under center pivot provided fully irrigated conditions. The fertilizer treatments will be applied around last week of February, when growth resumes. Yield and quality measurements will be taken at monthly intervals, starting in early spring of 2019.
Table 1: Treatments planned for the multi-nutrient study in alfalfa
Treatment.No Treatment
1 NP¶
2 NP + KCl
3 NP + K2SO4
4 NP + MN
5 NP + KNO3
6 NP + KCl + (NH4)2SO4
7 NP + K2SO4 + (NH4)2SO4
8 NP + KNO3 + (NH4)2SO4
9 NP + KCl + CaSO4.2H2O
10 NP + K2SO4 + CaSO4.2H2O
11 NP + KNO3 + CaSO4.2H2O
12 NP + KCl + MN
13 NP + K2SO4 + MN
14 NP + KNO3 + MN ¶ Nitrogen and Phosphorus from various nutrient sources
Alfalfa Response to a Multi-Nutrient Potassium Fertilizer in New Mexico
29
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, G. Martinez1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A. Williams1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Potential Impact(s): Previous results from this research, initiated in 2013, demonstrate that earlier planting of alfalfa allows for recovery of some of the establishment costs in the seeding year, thereby, reducing interest in those inputs. Data collection concluded in 2018 demonstrates a more long-term benefit to earlier planting of semi-dormant to slightly non-dormant varieties. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): The Advisory Committee to the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari requested an evaluation of the effects of earlier than recommended planting of alfalfa due to first delivery of water in mid- to late May and the availability of Roundup Ready® varieties as a summer weed control option during establishment. Alfalfa variety WL 454HQ.RR (semi-dormant fall dormancy 6) was planted on June 5 & 26, July 17, August 7 & 28, and September 18 in 2013 and 2014 in adjacent tests under the highway center pivot irrigation system, in the field fronting US 54. The test area (Redona/Canez fine sandy loam) was conventionally tilled and formed into a flat seedbed for each test. Plots were sown using a disk drill fitted with a seed-metering cone at 20 lb inoculated seed/A in a Randomized Complete Block design with 3 replications. Other details about planting are given in The 2014 Annual Progress Report of the Agricultural Science Center (https://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/2014-annual-report.pdf). Irrigations with Class 1B treated municipal wastewater were applied approximately twice weekly to the test area to supplement precipitation. Due to a system failure at the wastewater treatment plant in October 2017, no water was applied until late May 2018 and another issue at the plant caused a system shutdown from August 19-30. Prior to the last harvest of 2018, irrigations with treated municipal wastewater totaling 13.5 inches were applied to supplement 12.9 inches of pre-growing season and growing season precipitation (November 2017 through October 2018). On June 26, 2018, 17 lb N and 56 lb P205 were applied to both tests.
Both tests were harvested with a self-propelled forage plot harvester equipped with a weighing system on July 10, Aug. 14, Sep. 11, and Oct. 30 in 2018. A subsample from each plot was collected and separated into alfalfa and weed. These samples were weighed, dried at 140°F for 48 hours, and reweighed for calculation of dry matter percentage and dry matter yield of alfalfa, and weed proportion. Alfalfa samples were ground to pass a 1-mm screen and delivered to the lab for NIRS analysis of nutritive value
Fourth production year total annual yield and cumulative dry matter yield from the year after seeding (the first production year) through the fourth production year from both tests were subjected to SAS MIXED procedures for tests of significance to compare test (seeding year) and planting date and their interaction. Means were separated using an alpha level of P < 0.05 when a significant difference was observed. Replicates were defined as unique within each test and replicate x test was considered random.
Result(s): Despite irrigation system problems in 2014, the seeding year x planting date interaction was not significant for 4th year yield or cumulative yield from the seeding year and four production years (Table 1). The irrigation system failures in 2014 did lead to a significant seeding year effect on 4th year yields because the first two harvests were missed for the 2014 seeding while all six harvests were taken in 2017 from the 2013 seeding. Differences among planting dates in 4th year yields were not significantly different, but they were consistent to previous years continuing to contribute to differences in cumulative yield over the four production years (Table 1).
Alfalfa Planting Date Evaluation
30
Consequently, as previously demonstrated in The 2014 Annual Progress Report of the Agricultural Science Center (https://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/2014-annual-report.pdf), producers could plant on June 5 or possibly earlier instead of late summer and harvest at least twice in the seeding year to recover a considerable amount of the establishment costs. Even after the seeding year, consistent single year nonsignificant yield differences can contribute to cumulative yield differences (Table 1). Nonetheless, planting earlier in the summer than previously recommended, about mid-summer (August 7th) as opposed to late summer, may still be feasible, but that would limit the amount of forage harvested in the seeding year to a single harvest.
Table 1. Fourth production year and four-year cumulative dry matter yields (tons/acre) of alfalfa planted on various dates in 2013 & 2014 in separate tests at Tucumcari, NM. Data are the means of 3 replicates within each seeding year.
Seeding year 4th Production year
yield 4-Year cumulative
yield 2013 5.20 18.77 2014 2.23 18.27 SEM 0.55 1.61
Planting date 5-Jun 4.19 22.81 A 26-Jun 3.40 19.24 B 17-Jul 3.58 17.96 BC 7-Aug 4.23 19.77 AB 28-Aug 3.54 15.76 C 18-Sep 3.34 15.58 C SEM 0.47 1.54
P-values Seeding year (SY) 0.0193 0.8387 Planting date (PD) 0.1215 0.0020
SY x PD 0.2528 0.4770 Planting date means within a column followed by different letters are significantly different at the 5% alpha level.
31
Dry Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, M.K. Darapuneni1, G.K. Martinez1, J. Box1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Jennings1, S. Jenings1, and
A. Williams1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Potential Impact(s): Municipalities seek uses for treated wastewater, which is generally safe to apply to animal feed and fiber crops, to minimize the release of potential pollutants into surface and ground water bodies. Alfalfa is the most important forage crop worldwide being adapted to a wide range of environmental factors. Determining the potential impact of irrigating alfalfa with treated municipal wastewater could assist producers with deciding whether to use the water. Preliminary results of ongoing research at New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari has discovered a potential effect of wastewater on established alfalfa nutritive value and soil fertility characteristics. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): Alfalfa variety, 6829R, was planted under the West Pivot irrigation system on August 18, 2017, and another test was planted in the same field on September 14, 2018, using SW8421S alfalfa. Both varieties were selected based on performance in New Mexico Alfalfa Variety Tests. Both test areas (Redona fine sandy loam) were conventionally tilled and formed into a flat seedbed for sprinkler irrigation. Each water source area had been designated for irrigation by that source for the previous 30 or 18 months with canal water on the southeast side and treated municipal wastewater on the southwest side. Plots (5 ft x 20 ft) were sown using a disk drill fitted with a seed-metering cone at 20 lb inoculated alfalfa seed/A in a Randomized Complete Block design with 4 replications. The effective planting width was 4 ft (8, 6-inch rows). Soil samples had been collected immediately pre-planting from each test area for fertility and soil microbial community by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses. Seeding year results for the 2017 planting are reported in The 2017 Annual Progress Report of the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari (https://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/annual-report-2017.pdf).
An irrigation system failure occurring in October 2017 was not repaired until late May 2018 and another shutdown took place from August 19 – 30, 2018, preventing irrigation of the 2017 test during those periods and delaying planting of the 2018 test. In 2018, the 2017 planting received 11.0 inches of irrigation from May through October 2018 to supplement 12.9 inches of precipitation from November 2017 through October 2018. For the 2018 planting, irrigations totaling 1.23 inches were applied in September to supplement 5.15 inches of precipitation (September 14, through November 20, 2018). On June 26, 2018, 17 lb N and 56 lb P205 were applied to both tests.
The 2017 test was harvested on July 10 and Oct. 30, 2018. A subsample from each plot was collected and separated into alfalfa and weed. These samples were weighed, dried at 140°F for 48 hours, and reweighed for calculation of dry matter percentage and dry matter yield of alfalfa, and weed proportion. Alfalfa samples were delivered to the lab for NIRS analysis of nutritive value. On November 20, 2018, two soil cores from each plot were collected to 12 inches and combined for PFLA analysis.
All plants in 1 ft of all rows (4 ft2) from the east end of each plot of the 2018 planting were counted, hand-clipped to ground level on November 20, 2018 (67 days after planting), weighed, dried at 140°F for 48 hours, and reweighed for calculation of dry matter percentage and dry weight. These samples were delivered to the lab unground for NIRS analysis of nutritive value. The soil surrounding one plant (crown and root) from each of the two center rows was also sampled to 3 inches within the clipped area and combined for PFLA analysis. During the sampling, nodulation was verified on each seedling with intact root.
Impact of Water Source (Canal Water or Treated Municipal Wastewater) on Alfalfa Establishment and Production
32
Forage dry matter yield and nutritive value and soil fertility and PLFA data from the 2017 test and plant count, plant dry wt., and nutritive value and soil fertility and PLFA data from the 2018 test were subjected to SAS MIXED procedures for tests of significance to compare water source treatments (canal water or treated wastewater). Replicates were defined as unique within water source and considered random.
Results and Discussion: Inconsistent availability of irrigation water significantly reduced yields and limited measurable harvest of the 2017 seeding to two cuttings. Alfalfa yields were not different between the two irrigation water sources (data not shown). Weed pressure, as indicated by the proportion of alfalfa in harvested forage for both harvests, was greater when irrigated with wastewater than when irrigated with canal water. Additionally, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, and P of canal water irrigated alfalfa were greater and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and NDF were lesser in the 10-Jul harvest than wastewater-irrigated alfalfa, but not in the 30-Oct harvest. There was a trend toward lesser NDF and greater Mg in wastewater-irrigated alfalfa in the 30-Oct harvest.
Data and results of statistical analysis for selected PLFA and soil fertility variables collected in 2018 from the 2017 seeding are presented in Table 2.
Regarding the PLFA analysis, while there had been no difference between water sources for total microbial biomass in 2017, canal water-irrigated soil had significantly less microbial biomass than soil irrigated with treated municipal wastewater in 2018; otherwise no differences were detected in PLFA data. Differences in soil P, Cu, and Mg and a trend for K, were observed (Table 2).
Table 1. Canal water or treated municipal wastewater irrigation effects on yield proportion and selected nutritive value variables in 2018 of alfalfa established in 2017. Data are the lsmeans of four replicates.
Water source Alfalfa CP ADF NDF NDFD P Mg % % % % % % %
10-Jul Harvest Canal water 48 28.1 14.9 17.5 63.5 0.31 0.45 Wastewater 20 23.3 17.1 20.4 48.8 0.25 0.45
P-value 0.0410 0.0001 0.0223 0.0125 0.0005 0.0010 0.9667 30-Oct Harvest
Canal water 80 28.1 16.8 19.9 62.8 0.30 0.28 Wastewater 59 28.2 15.6 17.2 73.8 0.32 0.34
P-value 0.0039 0.9761 0.1705 0.0504 0.0229 0.7365 0.0069
CP, ADF, NDF, and NDFD signify crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and NDF digestibility, respectively.
If the P-value is less than 0.0500, the lsmeans in that column are considered to be significantly different.
Table 2. Canal water or treated municipal wastewater irrigation effects on selected soil fertility variables in fall 2018 after alfalfa sown in 2017. Data are the lsmeans of four replicates.
Variable Microbial Biomass P SO4-S Cu Ca K Mg Na CEC Cl
ng/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm Canal water 2493 10.58 8.13 0.37 1768 422 360 76 13.21 11.80 Wastewater 8216 39.11 22.18 0.49 2529 915 498 200 20.60 7.75 P-value 0.0022 0.0017 0.1049 0.0015 0.4249 0.0641 0.0062 0.1298 0.1263 0.4793 CEC signifies cation exchange capacity. If the P-value is less than 0.0500, the lsmeans in that column are considered to be significantly different.
33
Data and results of statistical analysis for selected variables from the 2018 seeding are presented in Table 3. Without regard to level of significance, in 2018 water sources were ranked consistently to the 2017 seeding for all variables, except total microbial biomass. Similarly to the seedling alfalfa in the 2017 planting (data not shown), there was no difference between water sources for plants m-2; however, the late planting may have greatly reduced seedling growth in the autumn compared to the 2017 leading to the lack of difference for plant dry weight in 2018 when there had been a difference in 2017 (Table 3; 2017 data not shown). Otherwise, dry matter percentage, crude protein, and NDFD were significantly different in both years, and there was a trend for NDF that was consistent to NDF in 2017. Values for ADF and NDF were considerably less in 2018 than 2017 (19.6 and 25.9% average ADF and NDF, respectively in 2017) and NDFD was considerably greater (54.2% in 2017), likely due to the later planting and smaller, less mature plants at sampling time.
Unlike the 2017 seeding in 2017, the percentage of total microbial biomass as arbuscular mycorrhizae was not different between water sources. Similarly to the 2017 seeding, Rhizobia were not detected or minimally detected in the PLFA samples (data not shown), although, the alfalfa roots included in the soil sample were nodulated.
Table 3. Plant and soil phospholipid fatty acid analysis data from a new alfalfa seeding irrigated with canal water or treated municipal wastewater at Tucumcari in 2018.
Source Plants Dry Wt.
Dry Matter CP ADF NDF NDFD
Microbial Biomass
Diversity Index
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae
#/m2 g/m2 % % % % % of NDF ng/g
% of Total Biomass
Canal Water 221 5.97 23.8 25.1 15.3 17.5 78.0 1228 1.5 2.2 Wastewater 301 4.99 22.5 26.5 14.9 16.6 82.0 941 1.3 1.0 P-value 0.0759 0.3086 0.0208 0.0166 0.2746 0.0603 0.0212 0.3549 0.2842 0.2714 CP, ADF, NDF, and NDFD signify crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and NDF
digestibility, respectively. If the P-value is less than 0.0500, the lsmeans in that column are considered to be significantly different.
34
Dry
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, E.J. Shields2, T. Testa2, J. Box1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Jennings1, S. Jenings1, and A. Williams1
1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401 2Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850
Potential Impact(s):
Early stand decline in alfalfa throughout New Mexico is increasingly being associated with whitefringed beetle (Naupactus leucoloma, WFB) infestations, but no insecticides are labeled to control WFB in alfalfa or effective for controlling the larvae. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) known to prey on a wide range of soil larvae, including WFB and its relatives have been found to be adapted to northeastern New Mexico’s climatic and soil conditions. Since, this finding could have significant implications for New Mexico’s alfalfa industry. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Methods:
A local producer who had suffered loss from WFB provided an alfalfa field sown the previous summer to evaluate local adaptation of the EPN. Nematodes [Steinernema carpocapsae (Sc) ‘NY 001’, S. feltiae (Sf) ‘NY 004’, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb) ‘Oswego’] had been released in replicated plots in combinations of Sf + Sc and Sf + Hb with control plots defined elsewhere in the field. Details of the release and results of soil sampling in 2017 are given in the 2017 Annual Progress Report of the Agricultural Science Center (https://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/annual-report-2017.pdf). The field was grazed by horses during the winter of 2017-18. In spring 2018, 200 lb/ac of 11-52-00 were applied uniformly to the field based on soil test recommendations.
As in November 2017, 20 soil samples for the 0-2” and 2-6” depths each were collected from each plot on November 28-29, 2018, and delivered to the entomology laboratory at Cornell University to be evaluated for the presence of the nematodes. Another soil sample was collected for fertility. Soil moisture at sampling time was near field capacity and soil temperatures at 4 inches were 46 and 38F and air temperatures were 72 and 44F, for the daily highs and lows, respectively. The alfalfa was in a semi-rosette growth phase with patches of prostrate rosettes and patches of upright growth comingled. The horses had not been turned in to graze yet; however, there was evidence of moderate grazing by mule deer.
Data from the 2018 sampling, as a percentage of each EPN species released, were analyzed using SAS PROC MIXED procedures to determine where differences between treatments existed. Means were separated by protected least significant difference (P < 0.05).
Results and Discussion:
Similarly to 2017, no Sc were found in the upper 2 inches of the soil core. Unlike 2017, no Hb were found in the 2-6 inch soil depth. In other studies, it has taken 1-2 years for sufficient dispersion of the EPNs, and well-dispersed Hb become most active below 6 inches. Consequently, they may be at that depth already in this field. The presence of Sf in 15 and 21% of the samples for the SfHb and SfSc treatments, respectively, in 2018 was slightly less than 2017 levels and what has been typically found in northern New York (20-30%), but still significantly greater than the untreated control at 0% presence (P < 0.0011).
Adaptation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Control of Whitefringed Beetle in Alfalfa in the Tucumcari Irrigation Project
35
While these levels are typical of the long-term persistence levels observed in NY alfalfa fields, they suggest that a large number of insect hosts have not been present in the treated areas. If a large number of insect hosts had been present, the levels of EPNs would be in the 35-50% range. However, experience suggests that the current levels of 15-21% are sufficient to respond to an invasion of susceptible hosts.
36
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, B. Waldron2, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A. Williams1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401 2USDA-ARS Forage and Range Lab, Logan, UT 84322
Impacts(s): Alfalfa growers in semiarid regions seek forages requiring less irrigation. Perennial forage kochia, known as “the alfalfa of the desert,” is not invasive like its weedy annual relative and has value for pasture in cool desert regions with a moist winter/dry summer precipitation pattern. Preliminary research at NMSU’s Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari has discovered that perennial forage kochia is adapted to the semiarid dry winters/moist summers of the Southern High Plains of the USA and, with minimal irrigation, can potentially be as productive as alfalfa. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): The Advisory Committee to the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari requested a local evaluation of perennial forage Kochia [Bassia prostrata (L) A.J Scott (syn. Kochia prostrata)]. Consequently, four entries [subspecies virescens ”Immigrant,” a late maturing and high winter forage value, and “PustC2,” an early maturing experimental, and subsp. grisea “Snowstorm” (a late maturing and tall enhanced winter forage value, and “KZ6xC2,” an early maturing and salt tolerant grisea experimental] were acquired from the USDA-ARS Forage and Range Lab.
The test is a strip (site: cropland irrigated with Class 1B treated municipal wastewater or rainfed range) – split (planting date: a winter seeding accompanied by snow and a spring seeding accompanied by rain) – split (variety) plot treatment arrangement with four randomized complete blocks within each site. The soil at both sites was Canez fine sandy loam. Additional site and planting details are given in The 2014 Annual Progress Report of the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari (http://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/2014-annual-report.pdf) and management in 2015 and 2016 and results of canopy cover analyses in 2016 are presented in The 2016 Annual Progress Report of the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari (http://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/docu-ments/2016-annual-report.pdf). The range site was abandoned in 2016 due to unsatisfactory establishment and the first replicate of the irrigated site was located on a steep slope and had 5% stand in one plot while the rest were ≤2% stand. Consequently, that replicate was deleted from the study with no data collected.
On January 24, 2017, the study area was rotary mowed to promote seed-to-soil contact and stand thickening. In 2017, the irrigated site received 16.2 inches of irrigation during the growing season to supplement 23.2 inches of annual precipitation and 8.4 inches of precipitation fell from January through September 2018, which was supplemented with 13.8 inches of irrigation water. Lightning struck the pumps at the city wastewater plant on October 5, 2017, causing irrigation system failure and repairs were not completed until late May 2018. A system contamination at the plant also led to an irrigation system shut down from August 19-30, 2018. Consequently, no irrigation was applied during those periods.
Whole plot canopy cover was rated on August 2, 2018, after plots were delineated by mowing. On September 5, 2018, a 0.5 m2 area having ≥50% canopy cover within each possible plot was rated for percent canopy cover and sampled for biomass to near ground level (Fig. 1) after average canopy height was measured. The number of plants were counted as they were hand-clipped. Harvested biomass was dried for 4 days at 150°F and weighed to determine biomass. The number of plants within the quadrat was extrapolated to estimate potential plant population.
Percent whole plot canopy cover, potential plant population extrapolated from the 0.5 m2 areas, and biomass data collected in 2018 from the 3 replicates of the irrigated strip plot were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS to determine if differences existed between planting dates (March and May) and
Kochia Entry, Site, and Planting Date Evaluation
37
among B. prostrata genotypes and for the interaction. Replicates were considered random. When differences among B. prostrata genotypes or within any interaction were significant (P ≤ 0.05) or a trend (0.05 < P < 0.10) was evident, lsmeans were separated at P ≤ 0.05 by least significant difference.
Results: Consistent to measurements in 2016, there was no significant effect of planting date for whole plot canopy cover under irrigation (Table 1). Immigrant tended to have greater canopy coverage than KZ6xC2 with PustC2 being intermediate. The planting date x genotype interaction was significant because Immigrant had the greatest canopy cover for the March planting, while PustC2 had the greatest canopy cover for the May planting (7, 40, 5% cover for KZ6xC2, Immigrant, and Pust2C planted in March, respectively, and 15, 22, and 37% cover for KZ6xC2, Immigrant, and PustC2 planted in May, respectively; SEM = 10). For potential plant population, neither the planting date nor the planting date x genotype interaction were significant; however, KZ6xC2 had approximately twice the number of plants as Immigrant and PustC2 (Table 1). The planting date and the planting date x genotype interactions were not significant for canopy height, but PustC2 had greater canopy height than Immigrant with KZ6xC2 being intermediate and closer in height to PustC2 than to Immigrant. For biomass production, the May planting tended to have greater biomass than the March planting and PustC2 had the greatest biomass production, although the genotype effect was not significant.
Table 1. Planting date (PD) and genotype effects on whole plot canopy cover and potential plant population, canopy height, and biomass estimated in September 2018 from a 0.5 m2 area of Bassia prostrata (L) A.J. Scott genotypes sown in 2014 at Tucumcari, NM USA. Data are the lsmeans of three replicates.
Effect/treatment Whole plot
canopy cover Potential plant
population Canopy height Biomass PD % Plants ha-1 cm kg ha-1 March 18 104304 64.3 8909 May 25 94747 71.2 12357 SEM 7 18784 6.2 2454 Genotype KZ6xC2 11 151016 A 72.6 AB 11060 Immigrant 31 86325 B 55.1 B 8106 PustC2 21 61235 B 75.5 A 12732
SEM 8 18288 5.9 2410 P-values
PD 0.3195 0.5380 0.3065 0.0953 Genotype 0.1047 0.0302 0.0509 0.1021
PD*Genotype 0.0443 0.4657 0.4631 0.1554 Genotype means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P < 0.05, based on least significant difference analysis.
Figure 1. One-year growth of Bassia prostrata (L) A.J. Scott sampled on September 5, 2018, at New Mexico State University's Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari. Planting took place May 22, 2014.
38
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, M.K. Darapuneni1, G Martinez1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A.
Williams1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Impacts(s): Planting legumes with cereal forages can increase yield and nutritive value. Pearl millet and cowpea are well-adapted and productive in the Southern High Plains, but their performance in mixtures under irrigated and rainfed conditions has not been evaluated. Preliminary research indicates that, while nutritive value of the mixture was slightly increased compared the monocultures, mixture land equivalency ratio (yield per unit of land) was reduced when the species were planted in the same row compared to the monocultures. Subsequent studies will evaluate planting arrangements to minimize competition and maintain yields with increased nutritive value. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): The test is a strip (IRR: irrigated with Class 1B treated municipal wastewater or rainfed) – split [Forage: monoculture pearl millet (millet; 25 lb ac-1), monoculture cowpea (cowpea; 50 lb ac-1), or millet-cowpea mixture (MIX; half the seeding rate of each species) (Fig. 1)] plot treatment arrangement with four randomized complete blocks within each IRR strip plot. The soil at both sites was Canez fine sandy loam. Plots (10 ft x 20 ft) were planted on May 30-31, 2018, making two passes with a disk drill fitted with a single cone to plant eight 8-inch rows; mixture species were combined in the same seed packet to be planted together in rows.
From January through September 2018, 23.2 inches of precipitation fell on the study area and the irrigated strip-plot received 15.2 inches of irrigation during the growing season (June through September). A system contamination at the wastewater treatment plant led to an irrigation system shut down from August 19-30, 2018. Consequently, no irrigation was applied during that period. Millet plots were treated with 3% Detonate to control broadleaf weeds on July 11, while the cowpea plots were treated with Sevin (2 oz gal-1) on July 17 to control blister beetles that were feeding on the stem surfaces into the phloem. Affected plants outgrew the damage well before harvest took place.
On August 31, 2018, a 0.5 yd2 area within each plot was hand-clipped to near ground level to estimate forage yield. Species in MIX were bagged separately. Harvested biomass was weighed, dried for 2 days at 150°F, and reweighed to determine dry matter (DM) concentration and yield of each species, proportion of cowpea DM in MIX, and land equivalency ratio (LER), where LER of MIX = (MIX millet yield/monoculture millet yield) + (MIX cowpea yield/monoculture cowpea yield), and LER of monocultures = 1. Dried samples from the irrigated strip plot were ground to pass a 1-mm screen and delivered to the laboratory for nutritive value analysis by near infrared spectroscopy.
Dry matter concentration and yield of each species and the total yield and nutritive value of the monocultures and MIX, proportion of cowpea DM in MIX, and LER were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS to determine if differences existed for IRR and among Forage and for the IRR x Forage interaction. Replicates were identified to be unique within IRR and considered random. When differences
Pearl Millet Cowpea Forage Mixture Preliminary Evaluation
Figure 1. Irrigated pearl millet – cowpea mixture.
39
among Forage or for an IRR x Forage interaction were significant (P ≤ 0.05), lsmeans were separated at P ≤ 0.05 by least significant difference.
Results: Results of statistical analysis and main effect means of nutritive value data for Forage in the irrigated strip plot are presented in Table 1. As expected, monoculture cowpea had the greatest crude protein and monoculture pearl millet had the least with the mixture intermediate and different than the monocultures. While there was no difference among Forage treatments for acid detergent fiber, cowpea had lesser neutral detergent fiber (NDF); however, cowpea NDF was less digestible than treatments including pearl millet leading to lesser total digestible nutrients (Table 1).
Results of statistical analysis and main effect means of yield data for IRR and Forage are presented in Table 2. There was no difference between IRR or Forage treatments or their interaction for DM concentration of millet; however, irrigated cowpea had lower DM concentration than rainfed cowpea due to the additional water applied. There also was a significant IRR x Forage interaction for cowpea DM concentration because rainfed monoculture cowpea had greater DM concentration than irrigated monoculture cowpea, while there was no difference between IRR treatments for cowpea in MIX. (Tables 2 & 3). Cowpea proportion was not different due to IRR treatment and there was no significant interaction, but all Forage treatments differed because Mix had greater cowpea proportion than monoculture millet, but less than monoculture cowpea, as expected. For DM yield of the individual species and the total, both main effects and the interaction were significant (Table 3). For the individual species, millet yielded greater with irrigation than when rainfed and the monocultures outyielded their counterparts in MIX, but only when irrigated, while cowpea in MIX was not different than rainfed cowpea either as a monoculture or in MIX (Table 3). For total DM yield, millet always yielded more than cowpea, but MIX was not different than either monoculture when rainfed. Only the Forage treatment was significant for LER because MIX was less than either of the monocultures (Table 2).
A main goal of mixing grasses and legumes for forage is to improve the nutritive value of the harvested product; however, yield also is an important component, and LER, a measure of the efficacy of mixing species vs. growing them separately, should be ≥1.00 for the mixture to be feasible. That was not the case with this study, possibly due to direct competition among species planted in the same row. Nonetheless, nutritive value was improved. The low proportion of cowpea in the mixture likely attributed to the only slight improvement in nutritive value, but even at that low proportion, yield of the pearl millet was reduced. Future studies with these species will include planting arrangement treatments under irrigation to determine how close together the pearl millet and cowpea can be planted in separate rows regarding the minimal number of adjacent rows needed for each species to maintain mixture yield and improve nutritive value by increasing the cowpea proportion.
Table 1. Nutritive value of the total yield of monoculture pearl millet, monoculture cowpea, and their mixture when irrigated with treated municipal wastewater at NMSU's Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari in 2018.
Forage CP ADF NDF NDFD TDN Cowpea 19.6 A 37 42 A 50 B 55 B Millet 5.6 C 37 69 B 64 A 61 A MIX 7.4 B 36 67 B 64 A 60 A SEM 0.3 1 1 1 1 P-values <0.0001 0.8656 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001
CP, ADF, NDF, NDFD, TDN, MIX and SEM signify crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, NDF digestibility, total digestible nutrients, the millet – cowpea mixture, and standard error of the mean, respectively.
Means within a column having the same letter are not significantly different at the 5% alpha level.
40
Table 2. Dry matter yield components of monoculture pearl millet, monoculture cowpea, and their mixture when rainfed or irrigated with treated municipal wastewater at NMSU's Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari in 2018.
Dry matter
concentration Cowpea proportion
Dry matter yield LER Millet Cowpea Millet Cowpea Total
Irrigation (IRR) - - - - - - - - - - - -% - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Tons/ac - - - - - - - - - Rainfed 32.51 17.88 37 0.57 0.07 0.43 0.88 Irrigated 30.69 15.99 37 3.52 1.38 3.27 0.82 SEM 0.70 0.32 1 0.35 .020 0.36 0.04 Forage Millet 31.71 16.95 0 C 2.48 ------- 2.48 A 1.00 A Cowpea --------- -------- 100 A ------- 1.25 1.25 C 1.00 A MIX 31.49 16.92 11 B 1.61 0.20 1.81 B 0.56 B SEM 0.59 0.45 1 0.26 0.19 0.37 0.05
P-values IRR 0.1161 0.0054 0.5959 0.0010 0.0036 0.0014 0.3651 Forage 0.7261 0.9529 <.0001 0.0050 0.0061 <.0001 <.0001 IRR x Forage 0.8341 0.0201 0.7369 0.0188 0.0071 0.0082 0.4106 LER, MIX, and SEM signify land equivalency ratio [= (MIX millet yield/monoculture millet yield) + (MIX
cowpea yield/monoculture cowpea yield)], the millet – cowpea mixture, and standard error of the mean, respectively.
Forage means within a column for having the same letter are not significantly different at the 5% alpha level.
Table 3. The effect of irrigation (rainfed or irrigated with treated municipal wastewater) and forage
treatments (monoculture pearl millet and cowpea and pearl millet – cowpea mixture) on selected yield components at Tucumcari in 2018.
Rainfed Irrigated Cowpea dry matter concentration, %; SEM = 0.45, P < 0.0201
Cowpea 18.60 A 15.30 C MIX 17.17 AB 16.67 BC
Pearl millet dry matter yield, tons/ac; SEM = 0.38, P < 0.0188 Millet 0.69 C 4.28 A MIX 0.46 C 2.76 B
Cowpea dry matter yield, tons/ac; SEM = 0.27, P < 0.0071 Cowpea 0.09 B 2.41 A MIX 0.05 B 0.35 B
Total dry matter yield, tons/ac; SEM = 0.38, P < 0.0082 Millet 0.69 D 4.28 A Cowpea 0.09 E 2.41 C MIX 0.51 DE 3.11 B SEM and MIX signify standard error of the mean and the millet – cowpea mixture, respectively. Means within an interaction having the same letter are not significantly different at the 5% alpha level.
41
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, S. Yao2, G. Martinez1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A. Williams1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401 2New Mexico State University, Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde, NM 87511
Potential Impact(s): Low available water and late frosts are critical problems challenging fruit production in eastern New Mexico. Jujubes, also called Chinese dates, are a potential alternative crop to help small-scale farmers produce a crop every year because they are drought tolerant once established and they avoid spring frosts by blooming later. Jujubes are nutritious with 4-10 times more vitamin C than oranges. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): In an area of native grass east of the office (Quay loam soil), two replicates of 36 grafted jujube cultivars were transplanted on April 11-12, 2016. Each experimental unit consisted of two trees of the cultivar planted adjacent to each other and each replicate consisted of 4 rows of 18 trees (Figure 1). The intra-row spacing was 10 ft and there was 15 ft between rows. Each replicate was irrigated by two irrigation zones, each servicing two adjacent rows in series, using above surface drip tubing with one 4-gph emitter for each tree. Other details of infrastructure development and planting are provided in the 2016 Annual Report of the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari (available http://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/2016-annual-report.pdf). Specimen plants identified as dead in 2016 or 2017 were replaced on April 3, 2018; in some cases, a different cultivar was used due to availability. Figure 1 shows a revised plot plan.
The irrigation system controller that led to inconsistent watering throughout the 2017 growing season was replaced over winter 2017-18. Irrigation application rates through emitters to trees not performing well or dead along with those on either side that were thriving were monitored. Weak or dead plants received equal amounts of water to their thriving neighbors [1.73 (n = 11) vs. 1.84 (n = 41) ± 0.68 gph for weak/dead plants vs. thriving plants, respectively). One zone (the southernmost two rows of Rep 2) still did not function properly, likely due to a crushed water line (0.89 gph for rows 7 & 8 vs. 2.08 gph for rows 1-6); consequently, those trees were manually watered throughout 2018. This likely led to less plant available water due to surface runoff, compared to the application through the drip system at 2 gpm. Grasshoppers were controlled with Semaspore Bait (38 lb/acre; Planet Natural, Bozeman, MT) applied on June 29.
Specimen trees were observed for survival and evaluated weekly for the presence of flower buds and then biweekly for fruit set. On October 3, 2018, fruit were harvested, counted, weighed, and measured for height (blossom end to stem end) and largest diameter.
Result(s): Figure 1 also shows results of survival and bloom and fruit set evaluations. Only the replanted specimens of Dragon, Xingguang, and Globe in Rep 2 (southernmost) did not survive transplant shock.
All, but four trees planted in 2016 bloomed by May 21 in 2018. Once blooming had begun, there was a continuous flush of flowers throughout the growing season. All established plants of Debailing, Gagazao, Honey jar, Redland, and Shuimen had fruit set despite the irrigation difference between rows 1-6 and rows 7-8 (Figure 1). All plants of Bonzao, Capri, Hui, Junzao, Pitless, and Sihong bloomed, but set fruit only when irrigated through the system. All specimens of Dagazau, Jinchang, Jing 39, Jixinzao,
Jujube Cultivar Evaluation
42
Kongfucui, Li, Mayazao, Qiyuexian, Russian 2, So, and Sugarcane were watered only through the drip system and all set fruit (Figure 1; although two replants of Qiyuexian in the hand-watered rows did not bloom). Established specimens of Globe set fruit in the drip-irrigated rows, but not in the hand-watered rows while Dragon bloomed when drip-irrigated, but not when hand-watered. GA866, Jinkuiwang, Jinsi 2, Sherwood, and Xingguang only bloomed. The remaining cultivars with established plants (Jinsi 3, Lang, Liuyeuxian, Mushroom, Xiangzao, and Zaocuiwang) were not consistent within and/or across replicates or irrigation differences. Replants did not generally bloom and those that did set no fruit, except for the one specimen of Shuimen, which was in a hand-watered row. There is only one specimen of Russian, which was a replant that did not bloom in one of the hand-watered rows.
By season’s end, only one plant, a specimen of Honey jar in Rep 1, had any remaining fruit (4 fruit: 1 with green skin, 2 with intact red skins, and 1 with red skin cracking; all were still firm and slightly tart; 20.20g total weight). The green fruit was smaller: 15.7 mm tall, 17.6 mm largest diameter; than the red fruit: 19.8 mm tall, 20.1 mm largest diameter. Due to the presence in the test area of turkey and deer tracks and coyote and/or raccoon droppings with jujube content, as well as an observation that leaves and fruit appeared to have been stripped from stem tips, it is speculated that predation occurred by any or all of those wildlife. Measures will be determined to minimize this predation in the future.
Row 1 Row2 Row3 Row4 Row5 Row6 Row7 Row81 Banzao Jinchang Lang Shuimen Jixinzao Chaoyang Honeyjar Junzao2 Banzao *Chaoyang Lang Shuimen Jixinzao Chaoyang Honeyjar Junzao3 Capri Jing 39 Li Sihong Mushroom Sugarcane Pitless Capri4 Capri Jing 39 Li Sihong Mushroom Sugarcane Pitless Capri5 Dabailing Jinkuiwang Liuyuexian So So Kongfucui Jinkuiwang Dragon6 Dabailing Jinkuiwang Liuyuexian So So Kongfucui Jinkuiwang Dragon7 Daguazao Jinsi 2 Mayazao Xingguang Liuyuexian Daguazao Jinsi 2 Redland8 Daguazao Jinsi 2 Mayazao Xingguang Liuyuexian Daguazao Jinsi 2 Redland9 Dragon Jinsi 3 Mushroom Sugarcane Zaocuiwang Qiyuexian Banzao Sihong10 Dragon Jinsi 3 Mushroom Sugarcane Zaocuiwang Qiyuexian Banzao Sihong11 GA866 Chaoyang Pitless Xiangzao Lang Xiangzao Dabailing Xingguang12 GA866 Chaoyang Pitless Xiangzao Lang Xiangzao Dabailing Xingguang13 Globe Jixinzao Qiyuexian Zaocuiwang Jinsi 3 *Capri Gagazao Globe14 Globe Jixinzao Qiyuexian Zaocuiwang Jinsi 3 Jinchang Gagazao Globe15 Gagazao Junzao Redland Russian 2 Mayazao GA866 Sherwood Russian16 *Daguazao Junzao Redland Russian 2 Mayazao GA866 Sherwood Hui17 Honeyjar Kongfucui Sherwood Hui Jing 39 Li Shuimen Qiyuexian18 Honeyjar Kongfucui Sherwood Qiyuexian Jing 39 Li Shuimen Qiyuexian
Figure 1. Jujube cultivars planted at NMSU's Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari in April 2016 and observed in 2018.
Rep 1 Rep 2
Gas
line
The left of the page is north.Rows 1-6 were irrigated through the drip system Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with 2 gph; rows 7-8 were hand-watered with 2 gal on the same days in 2018.Yellow highlight signifies replants on 4/3/18.*Signifies different cultivar replanted due to unavailability of original cultivar.Red highlight signifies replants that did not survive transplant shockBlue highlight signifies observed bloom, but no observed fruit set in 2018; orange highlight signifies a replant that bloomed, but set no fruit.Green highlight signifies observed fruit set in 2018; olive highlight signifies a replant that set fruit.Purple highlight signifies the only plant from which fruit was harvested in 2018.
43
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, G.K. Martinez1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A. Williams1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Potential Impact(s): Variety selection is key to a highly productive alfalfa stand. Differences between the highest- and lowest-yielding varieties in irrigated alfalfa tests statewide ranged from 0.99 to 2.41 tons per acre in 2018. If sold as hay, this translates to a potential difference in returns of $213 to $518 per acre due to variety, or an increase of at least $38 million for the industry. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing Pillar for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): A standard alfalfa variety test with 19 entries was planted May 12, 2015, in the field fronting US 54. The test area (Canez fine sandy loam) was conventionally tilled and formed into a flat seedbed for sprinkler irrigation with treated municipal wastewater. Plots (5 ft x 20 ft of which the center 5 ft x 15 ft were harvested for yield) were sown using a disk drill fitted with a seed-metering cone at 20 lb inoculated seed/acre in a Randomized Complete Block design with 4 replications set up for nearest neighbor analysis. The 2015 Annual Report of the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari (available at https://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/2015-annual-report.pdf) provides more details about establishment. In early October 2017, the wastewater distribution system failed and only 0.03 inch of precipitation fell from then until the last harvest. Repairs were not complete until late May and the system was off again during the last half of August. Irrigations with treated municipal wastewater totaling 10.7 inches were applied to supplement 12.9 inches of precipitation (November 2017 through October 2018). On June 26, 2018, 17-56-0-1.4 lb N-P-K-Zn/A were applied, but no pesticides were applied in 2018. Because of the irrigation system problems, the test was harvested only four times in 2018, compared to six harvests taken in 2016 and 2017.
A new test was planted with 15 entries on September 14, 2018, which will also be irrigated with treated municipal wastewater.
Result(s): Yield data from the 2015 test collected in 2018 were subjected to detrending by nearest neighbor analysis and statistical procedures for tests of significance and means separation and are presented in Table 1 with varieties arranged by descending 3-yr average total yield. Yield differences over the three years of this study between the average of those varieties that yielded equally to the highest yielding variety (varieties in the table with an asterisk for the 3-yr average) compared to the average of those varieties yielding less than the highest yielding variety (varieties in the table without an asterisk) was approximately 0.7 tons/year. At the average price for alfalfa hay in New Mexico for 2016 ($170/ton), 2017 ($177/ton), and 2018 ($215/ton), selecting a variety that yielded equal to the highest yielding variety would have returned approximately $393/acre over the three years for the same production costs.
Reports giving results from statewide testing in 2018 and previous years are available at the New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences’ Publications and Videos Variety Test Reports webpage (http://Aes.nmsu.edu/pubs/variety_trials/welcome.html#alfalfa) as well as from the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari and county Cooperative Extension Service offices.
Alfalfa Variety Testing in the Tucumcari Irrigation Project
44
Table 1. Dry matter yields (tons/acre) of alfalfa varieties sown May 12, 2015, at NMSU's Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari and sprinkler-irrigated twice per week with treated municipal wastewater†.
Variety Name 2016 Total
2017 Total
2018 Harvests‡ 2018 Total
3-Yr Average 10-Jul 14-Aug 11-Sep 30-Oct
NuMex Bill Melton 4.62** 5.85** 0.79* 0.66** 0.51* 0.19* 2.14** 4.20** 6829R 4.38* 5.68* 0.76* 0.53* 0.57** 0.23** 2.08* 4.05* NM14BMHS1 4.19* 5.36* 0.84** 0.56* 0.50* 0.20* 2.09* 3.88* African Common 3.65 5.59* 0.76* 0.54* 0.51* 0.19* 1.99* 3.74* NM14BMHR2 4.17* 5.33* 0.65 0.46 0.39 0.13 1.63 3.71 Mallard 3.98* 5.23* 0.58 0.54* 0.43 0.13 1.68 3.63 NM14BMC0 3.99* 5.26* 0.62 0.37 0.42 0.13 1.53 3.59 Malone 3.77 5.22* 0.66 0.43 0.45 0.15 1.68 3.55 NM14BM1008251 3.94* 5.00 0.69 0.39 0.42 0.19* 1.68 3.54 NM14MalHS3 3.69 5.12 0.64 0.55* 0.44 0.16 1.78* 3.53 NM Common 3.52 5.10 0.70* 0.42 0.46 0.17 1.74 3.45 Zia 3.23 4.94 0.64 0.49* 0.47* 0.17 1.76* 3.31 NM14MLLS2 3.65 4.50 0.56 0.34 0.32 0.15 1.37 3.17 SW 5213 3.27 4.93 0.52 0.30 0.32 0.11 1.24 3.15 ICON 3.33 4.51 0.63 0.42 0.37 0.14 1.56 3.13 SW 5909 3.27 4.61 0.52 0.34 0.38 0.10 1.33 3.07 Red Falcon BR 3.19 4.19 0.52 0.35 0.42 0.12 1.40 2.93 SW 5113 3.10 4.28 0.53 0.35 0.39 0.11 1.38 2.92 Roadrunner 3.03 4.50 0.52 0.25 0.29 0.09 1.15 2.89 Mean 3.68 5.01 0.64 0.43 0.42 0.15 1.64 3.44 LSD (0.05) 0.72 0.72 0.15 0.19 0.11 0.05 0.39 0.48 CV% 13.85 10.18 16.49 30.51 18.46 23.64 16.60 17.12
†Data were detrended using nearest neighbor analysis and analyzed using analysis of variance. ‡Irrigation water delivery system failures at the wastewater plant prevented irrigation from October 2017
through May 2018 and in August 2018. 2016 Harvest dates: 24-May, 22-Jun, 9-Aug, 13-Sep, and 8-Nov. 2017 Harvest dates: 19-May, 20-Jun, 19-Jul, 15-Aug, 11-Sep, and 30-Oct. **Highest numerical value in the column. *Not significantly different from the highest numerical value in the column based on the 5% LSD. NS means that there were no significant differences between the varieties within that column at the 5%
level.
45
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, S.V. Angadi2, M.K. Darapuneni1, E.J. Scholljegerdes3, G. Duff4, J. Box1, G.K. Martinez1,
P.L. Cooksey1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A. Williams1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401 2New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, NM 88101 3New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM 88003 4New Mexico State University, Clayton Livestock Research Center, Clayton, NM 88415
Potential Impact(s): Interest is increasing in whether winter canola can be grazed as an alternative crop in wheat rotations in the Southern High Plains. Preliminary results of previous research indicates that beef cattle gains on canola in autumn were equal to those on pearl millet and greater than gains on haygrazer. Winter and spring grazing also must be evaluated for animal productivity as well as for effects on grain production. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s):
Winter canola and cereal rye pastures were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in the West Pivot and two additional replicates of canola in the North Farm pivot. Because wastewater irrigation delivery system was off during the last half of August, land preparation was delayed and seed drilling on 7-inch spacing took place from September 10-12 and 26-28, 2018, for canola at the North Farm and West Pivots, respectively. Rye was sown from October 4-5, 2018, at the West Pivot. Seeding rates were 35 and 10 lb/A for rye and canola, respectively. The North Farm pastures received 4.5 inches of irrigation from September through December and the West Pivot received 3.9 inches from October through December, both with treated municipal wastewater to supplement 6.2 inches of September through December precipitation. The West Pivot pastures received 12 lb N/A and the North Farm pastures received 25 lb N/A, both through the sprinklers on December 5, 2018.
Due to the lateness of planting, beef cattle to be used on this trial were held at the Clayton Livestock Research Center until after the New Year. Consequently, no data were collected in 2018.
Evaluation of Winter Canola for Winter/Spring Pastures for Beef Steers
46
Investigator(s): L.M. Lauriault1, M.K. Darapuneni1, P. Box2, G.K. Martinez1, J. Box1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Jennings1, and S.
Jennings1 1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401 2Owner, Box Farms, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Potential Impact(s): Field bindweed is a competitive, summer-active weed that reduces productivity in irrigated pastures. No-tillage overseeded winter cereals could reduce competition by field bindweed when it begins growth in the spring and encourage encroachment by desirable species during the growing season. Preliminary results indicate a reduction in bindweed biomass and a reduction in the number of clones in the spring by grazing in the previous fall. This project addresses the Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Pillars for Economic and Community Development of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environment Sciences.
Method(s): In response to a request by the Advisory Committee to the Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari to conduct projects off-site, an opportunity presented itself to evaluate the impact of grazing winter cereals on field bindweed competition. Locally grown combine-run triticale seed was no-till drilled on September 15, 2017, into two existing predominantly native, warm-season grass, irrigated pastures that were heavily infested with field bindweed. The seeding rate was 60 lb/A. Flood irrigation (0.65 in./A) was applied from September 20-27 to supplement 6.30 inches of precipitation that fell in September and early October. In August, 6.48 inches of precipitation had fallen.
After establishment of the triticale and prior to grazing, three 16 ft x 16 ft exclosures were uniformly distributed in each pasture. In 2017, grazing was initiated on October 16 by cows and calves, which were removed on November 25, 2017, when forage became limited as part of the managed rotation. Immediately prior to initiation of grazing, standing forage was hand-clipped to ground level near each exclosure and, approximately every 28 days thereafter, aboveground plant material within a 3.33 sq.ft. quadrat was hand-clipped to ground level in and near each exclosure. Sampling locations outside the exclosures were selected to represent the standing forage within the exclosure, but far enough away to avoid trampling adjacent to the exclosures. Clipped material was bagged separately as bindweed, other weed, triticale, and other grass without regard to whether or not it alive or dead. Bindweed clones were counted as they were clipped. Harvested material was dried in a forced-air oven at 140°F for 48 hours to determine dry matter yield. After drying, samples were held for prospective estimation of nutritive value by NIRS analysis. At the December 2017 sampling it was determined that sampling should not be resumed until March 5, 2018, if there is sufficient growth.
In 2018, irrigation was applied when possible to supplement 12.9 inches of precipitation, of which 0.7 inches fell from January through June. Sampling took place on April 17, May 24, and July 3. Cattle (48 cow/calf pairs and 2 bulls) grazed rotationally between the two pastures from May 26 until November 11.
Bindweed and forage data collected in 2018 were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed to compare sampling location, sampling period, and their interaction. When the F-test for sampling date or the interaction was significant (P < 0.05) means were separated using least significant differences.
Results: Sampling location and sampling period data and results of statistical analysis are presented in Table 1. The effects of sampling location, sampling period, and their interaction were all significant for the number of bindweed clones. Table 2 shows that the interaction occurred because the number of clones in May
Impact of No-Tillage Overseeding Bindweed-Infested Grass Pastures with Winter Cereals on the Bindweed
47
increased in the ungrazed locations, which, by July, returned to mid-April levels, while under grazing, there was no significant change in clone numbers. The May sampling was taken after the initiation of rapid growth for bindweed, but before grazing had been initiated in the spring. Consequently, the lack of increase in clones from April to May in the grazed area (Table 2) is likely a result of grazing the previous October and November that may have reduced photosynthate provided to the field bindweed root system, also possibly compromising its future ability to survive and compete with desirable species and other weeds.
Trends (0.05 < P < 0.10) were observed for reduced bindweed dry matter and increased other grass dry matter under grazing (Table 1). The reduction in bindweed biomass under grazing was also observed in autumn 2017 (see the 2017 Annual Progress Report: https://tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu/documents/annual-report-2017.pdf). Other grasses were predominantly desirable perennial warm-season grasses that were encouraged to encroach by using no-tillage to establish the cereal in one of the pastures.
Bindweed dry matter was also greater in May than in the other months, as was triticale dry matter (Table 1). The increases from April to May were expected since the May sampling was taken after the period of rapid growth for both bindweed and the triticale, but before grazing had been initiated, as mentioned regarding clone numbers. The reduction in bindweed dry matter (Table 1) from May to July would be largely due to grazing as the July measurement was taken before bindweed reduced growth from summer heat. The reduction in triticale biomass from May to July would be due to a combination of grazing and cessation of growth after reproduction.
Table 1. Bindweed clonal population and dry matter (DM) yield of bindweed, other weeds, triticale, and other grasses in bindweed-infested pastures at Tucumcari in 2018. Data are the lsmeans of two pastures and three subsamples within each pasture.
Treatment effect Bindweed clones Bindweed Other weed Triticale Other grass # /sq. m - - - - - - - - - - - - - - g DM / sq. m - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sampling location (SL) Ungrazed 68.6 41.07 50.94 64.90 30.76 Grazed 38.1 27.38 41.86 62.08 57.86 SEM 4.2 4.09 30.90 16.35 12.21
Sampling period (SP)
17-Apr 34.5 B 19.15 B 19.56 41.37 B 33.12 24-May 87.0 A 66.85 A 49.22 101.07 A 58.23
3-Jul 38.5 B 16.67 B 70.42 48.04 B 41.59 SEM 5.1 4.91 32.21 17.52 13.54
P-value of F SL 0.0045 0.0528 0.6378 0.8319 0.0690 SP 0.0017 0.0011 0.1647 0.0220 0.2942
SL x SP 0.0088 0.6874 0.7864 0.9998 0.6645 Grazing took place in October and November 2017 and began again on 26-May 2018. Sampling period means within a column with the same letter are not significantly different
based on the 5% LSD.
48
Cereal forage will be sown again during winter 2018-19 and sampling will continue in 2019 to determine if competition by the cereal has a sustained effect on spring and summer growth of field bindweed as measured by a reduction in the number of clones and other variables over time.
Table 2. The effect of fall and spring grazing on the number of bindweed clones in spring 2018.
Date Ungrazed Grazed 17-Apr 33.39 B 35.54 B 24-May 124.94 A 49.01 B
3-Jul 47.39 B 29.62 B Grazing took place in October and November
2017 and began again on 26-May 2018. Lsmeans with the same letter are not
significantly different based on the 5% LSD (SEM = 7.25)
49
Investigator(s):
M. Ward1, S. Jennings2, J. Box2, J. Jennings2, A. Williams2, P.L. Cooksey2, L.M. Lauriault2, and G.K. Martinez2 1New Mexico State University, Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, Las
Cruces, NM 88003 2New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Impacts: The Tucumcari Bull Test has grown both in scope and scale since Dr. Marcy Ward, New Mexico State University’s Extension Livestock Specialist, took over as the test director, in 2014. The number of animals tested has grown by 300% since 2013, from 75 bulls tested annually to 350 bulls and heifers tested in 2018. To put the impact of this expansion in perspective, 75 bulls can pass on their genetics to approximately 1500 offspring per year, where 350 tested animals pass on their proven genetics to over 6300 offspring per year.
In 2013, there were 8 active producers and the facility tested 75 bulls, selling only 43. By 2018, the test was measuring performance on 155 bulls, and had 22 producers involved from four states. The economic impact for producers has also been significant. Until 2015, Tucumcari Bull Sale averages were consistently $300-$500 lower per bull than other production sales in the state. The 2018 sale was heavily impacted by the bull market and a new competitor located in Tucumcari. Given these challenges, the sale average of the Tucumcari Bull Sale still remained above that of other multi consignor sales in the region.
The test and sale audience has widened as well. In 2013, approximately 75 producers attended the Tucumcari Bull Sale. In 2018 the sale was broadcast live on line, reaching over 130 people from 30 states and two Canadian provinces. Combining the in-house and online attendance, approximately 250 people participated in the sale. The other audience to consider are the visitors to the website and sale catalog pages. The Tucumcari Bull Test is in the top 6 of bull tests listed on Google’s main search page for bull efficiency tests. This exposure has generated interest from across the United States. The 2017 sale catalog was also posted on the American Angus Association website. There were over 3200 visits to the catalog page when published.
In fall 2018, TFET agreed to allow NMSU to initiate a water intake project with their cattle. Dr. Ward and her colleagues are developing technology to measure individual water consumption of purebred animals. This technology will continued to be used to allow for a significant multiyear study.
Summary: There are two primary types of beef cattle producers in New Mexico. The largest sector of this industry is the commercial producer. These producers raise cattle to be sold for beef. The “seed stock” producer is the other sector. These producers raise pure bred cattle that are sold to the commercial producers as herd replacements. Even though the seed stock industry represents approximately 10% of the cattle inventory in New Mexico (NMDA Census, 2016), it contributes a significant proportion (50%) of the genetics to the commercial cow herd.
Seed stock producers collect data on their animals and utilize genetic parameters to make selection decisions that help optimize the genetic potential of their herds. The more information these producers are able to collect, the more quickly they can make genetic improvements. If the seed stock producer improves the performance and efficiency of their cattle, those superior genetics can be carried on through to the commercial producers who purchase their bulls or heifers.
Objectives: The extension specialist will interpret and distribute the information gained from this outlet to beef cattle producers throughout the region for educational and marketing purposes.
Tucumcari Beef Cattle Feed Efficiency Testing
50
1. For New Mexico beef cattle producers, increase knowledge base in genetic selection methods that can improve herd performance and productivity and
2. For seed stock operators potentially supplying New Mexico beef cattle producers, provide an outlet where they may gain additional information on their cattle.
2018 Outcomes: In 2018, management of the increase in capacity of the feed efficiency testing facility and use was the primary focus. More cattle require more attention. The aging facilities also were need of repair and updates. Both issues can impact the quality of the testing and the image to the public. As a result, the Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Test, LLC (TFET) hired a new person to see to the daily care of the cattle and help with any facility repairs. The water system has been greatly improved and cattle health more intensely evaluated.
Dr. Ward was also involved in the development of a scholarship program collaboration with Mesalands College in Tucumcari, New Mexico in 2017. That program continues today. Additionally, Wyatt Bishop, one of the winners of last year’s scholarship did so well, he was the individual hired by TFET to care for the cattle. Shane Jennings received a plaque in gratitude for 10 years of service and continues to assist as needed and train the new hire.
Outputs: The ACES-NMSU Tucumcari Bull Test and Sale Website is the primary source for dissemination of performance data and genetic and pedigree information. Sonja Jo Serna, ACES Media Specialist, serves as the primary administrator of the website, and the Livestock Specialist provides content. Four performance reports, pedigrees of each animal, and their genetic information are made available on the website every year. These reports and genetic information are used by both the test participants and potential buyers to help make educated decisions on how to improve the genetics within their herd. To date, Dr. Ward has generated over 400 summary and individual reports to these producers.
A hard copy catalog is also generated to promote the bulls consigned to the Tucumcari Sale. The catalog contains the same information as the website, but is distributed through the mail to over 1000 producers from NM, TX, CO, and OK.
In the fall of 2018, Dr. Ward submitted a $50,000 USDA/NIFA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant with six of the current cooperators. The purpose of the grant is to further fund the water intake study efforts.
Shane Jennings Receives Plaque for 10 Years of Service to
Feed Efficiency Testing
Water Intake Stanchions in Large Growsafe Pen
51
Investigator(s):
L.M. Lauriault1, M.K. Darapuneni1, G. Martinez1, P.L. Cooksey1, J. Box1, J. Jennings1, S. Jennings1, and A. Williams1
1New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM 88401
Data collection from several studies continuing from previous years or initiated in 2017/2018 (listed below) did not establish or were not completed as scheduled.
Darapuneni: Dryland/irrigated winter cover crop study planted in 2017 (lack of precipitation/irrigation system failure).
Darapuneni: Winter canola fertilizer study planted in 2017 (lack of precipitation/irrigation system failure). Darapuneni: Dryland wheat/sorghum/alternate crop rotation study (lack of precipitation in 2018). Darapuneni/Sultana: Tillage effects on cotton growth. Darapuneni/Sultana: Tillage effects on corn growth. Lauriault: Comparison of alfalfa planting dates (early and mid-season irrigation system failures prevented
consistent data collection across seeding years within 2018, concluding the studies). Lauriault: Dry matter yield and nutritive value of sorghum forage – legume mixtures under single-cut
management (poor establishment/survival due to early and mid-season irrigation system failure). Lauriault: Dry matter yield and nutritive value of corn and sorghum forages relay intercropped with
brassicas and oat for autumn forage (poor establishment/survival of corn and sorghum due to early and mid-season irrigation system failure).
Lauriault: Varietal performance evaluations for irrigated grain sorghum, single- and multiple-cut forage sorghum and sorghum x sudangrass, and cotton (poor establishment/survival due to early and mid-season irrigation system failure).
Lauriault: Late summer/autumn grazing of sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet, and canola by beef yearlings (due to an early-season irrigation system failure, pastures were not planted in 2018).
Lauriault: Effect of selected OMRI certified herbicides on field bindweed and the bindweed mite (insufficient mite populations).
Studies with Failed Satisfactory Establishment or Completion in 2018